The C Heavy 7 Drone tuning transforms your Guitar into a deep, resonant instrument, venturing into the lower registers with a distinctive harmonic character. While the original tuning description provided suggested a "DACEAD tuning down a whole tone", the resultant tuning settles on C2-G2-A#3-D3-G3-C4. This configuration achieves a C dominant 7th sound with an added 9th (C9 no 3rd or C7sus2), making it ideal for heavy riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, or blues-infused textures.

Technical Analysis

With notes set to C2-G2-A#3-D3-G3-C4 (low to high), this tuning presents a very low overall pitch, anchored by the fundamental C2. The open strings reveal a C, G, A# (which is enharmonically Bb), and D. This combination forms a C dominant 7th chord with an added 9th (C, G, Bb, D). The absence of the major or minor third (E or Eb) on the open strings allows for a flexible harmonic foundation, leaning towards a 'suspended' quality that can sound both open and powerful.

The significant drops across multiple strings, particularly the 3rd string moving down 5 semitones, will drastically reduce string tension. This can lead to a 'floppy' feel and potential intonation issues if standard gauge strings are used. For optimal performance and tone, a heavier gauge string set is strongly advised for this tuning, especially for the 6th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings which are tuned down 4 or more semitones.

Chords & Playability

• Open Chord: Strumming all open strings yields a powerful C7sus2/9 chord (C-G-A#-D-G-C), providing an immediate rich and slightly bluesy or dissonant sound perfect for drone passages or rhythmic foundations.
• Power Chords: The presence of multiple C and G notes makes two-finger power chords incredibly easy to achieve across different string sets, offering immense sonic weight.
• Barre Chords: A single-finger barre across any fret will immediately produce variations of this C7sus2/9 voicing, shifted chromatically, opening up a world of complex, heavy chords with minimal effort.
• Melodic Potential: The low C and G strings provide a solid bass foundation, while the higher G and C strings allow for melodic lines that can weave above the strong harmonic base.

How to Tune

To achieve the C Heavy 7 Drone tuning, you will need to significantly detune your guitar from a standard setup. Please be cautious with string tension changes, especially if using light gauge strings.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. (Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Consider a heavier gauge string.)

Please note: Extreme changes in string tension can affect your guitar's neck relief and intonation. A professional setup may be beneficial after adopting this tuning, especially if you plan to use it extensively.

6th String: C2 (Low C)

5th String: G2 (G an octave below middle C)

4th String: A#3 (A sharp below middle C)

3rd String: D3 (D below middle C)

2nd String: G3 (G below middle C)

1st String: C4 (Middle C)