Tuning Overview: C Major Extended Drop

This unique tuning, originally described as a "twinkly emo tuning dropped for a lower sound," truly delivers on its promise. With the lowest string dropped significantly to a powerful C2, it establishes a deep, resonant foundation. The comprehensive lowering of pitch across all strings creates a darker, more expansive sonic landscape, making it perfectly suited for genres like emo, post-rock, math rock, and ambient music, where rich, shimmering textures and open, extended voicings are desired. The 'twinkly' aspect arises from the complex intervals and extensions present in the open strings, allowing for beautiful, sustained melodic notes to ring out over a solid, low-end bass.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string, are: C2-G2-A2-D3-G3-B3.

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest C2 string, we discover a sophisticated, extended chord structure:

• C2 (Root)
• G2 (Perfect 5th)
• A2 (Major 6th)
• D3 (Major 9th, or a Major 2nd above the C octave)
• G3 (Perfect 5th an octave higher than G2, reinforcing the dominant)
• B3 (Major 7th)

When all open strings are strummed, this tuning produces a rich and complex Cmaj7(add6, add9) chord voicing. While the major 3rd (E) is not explicitly present in the open strings, the inclusion of the B3 (Major 7th) and D3 (Major 9th) strongly implies a major tonality, lending it a sophisticated, open, and slightly suspended character.

The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 5th
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (A2): Major 2nd
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (D3): Perfect 4th
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (G3): Perfect 4th
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (B3): Major 3rd

This diverse combination of perfect 5ths, 4ths, 3rds, and 2nds between strings facilitates innovative arpeggios, intricate melodic patterns, and a broad spectrum of chord voicings, especially those that leverage open strings with minimal fretting.

Open & Easily Reachable Chords

• Open Chord Resonance: A simple strum across all open strings instantly yields a full, extended Cmaj7(add6, add9) chord. This provides a powerful and ambient harmonic bed without needing to fret any notes.
• Power Chords: The presence of perfect 5th (C-G) and perfect 4th (A-D, D-G) intervals between several adjacent strings makes it exceptionally easy to form power chords (root-5th or root-4th shapes) by simply barring across multiple strings.
• G Major/Minor Chords: With G notes present on both the 5th and 2nd strings, G-based chords are highly accessible and can be voiced with significant richness and depth.
• A Minor/Major Chords: The A2 on the 4th string serves as an excellent foundation for constructing various A-based chord shapes and progressions.
• Melodic Opportunities: The Major 3rd interval (G3-B3) on the top two strings is a versatile component for crafting melodic lines and upper chord extensions, easily shifted up or down the fretboard with simple two-note shapes.

Important Tuning Considerations

As indicated in the original tuning description, "need high gauge strings" is an accurate and crucial recommendation. The tuning involves significant drops in pitch across most strings:

• Strings 4 (D to A), 3 (G to D), and 1 (E to B) are all tuned down 5 semitones.
• Strings 6 (E to C) and 2 (B to G) are tuned down 4 semitones.

Tuning down 4 semitones or more is a substantial adjustment. Using standard light or medium gauge strings for this tuning will result in considerable string slack, poor intonation, and difficulty in maintaining pitch and playability. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set, such as those labeled "heavy gauge" or "baritone" strings. This will help maintain adequate string tension, improve tone, and ensure proper intonation, making the tuning much more enjoyable and functional.

String Notes & Tuning Guide

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E String): Tuned down significantly to C2, providing the deep, resonant bass foundation for the tuning.
• String 5 (A String): Tuned down to G2, forming a perfect fifth relationship with the lowest C string.
• String 4 (D String): Tuned down to A2, which adds a major sixth interval from the root C, contributing to the tuning's unique harmonic character.
• String 3 (G String): Tuned down to D3, introducing a major ninth from the C root, adding complexity and richness.
• String 2 (B String): Tuned down to G3, reinforcing the perfect fifth and providing a strong mid-range voice.
• String 1 (High E String): Tuned down to B3, completing the open chord with a distinctive major seventh.

How to Tune from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E:

To achieve the 'C Major Extended Drop' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E (low to high), follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down to C2. Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 5 (A): Tune down to G2. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Tune down to A2. Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune down to D3. Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 2 (B): Tune down to G3. Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down to B3. Tune down 5 semitones.

As detailed above, given the significant pitch drops on multiple strings, utilizing a heavier gauge string set is strongly recommended to ensure optimal tension, playability, and intonation for this tuning.