CGBFBE Guitar Tuner

CGBFBE CGBFBE - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - CGBFBE

The "CGBFBE" Tuning: A Deep Dive

Verbal Analysis

The "CGBFBE" tuning is a distinctive and harmonically rich alternate tuning that pushes the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings. Starting with a deep C on the lowest string, it immediately establishes a profound, resonant foundation. The arrangement of notes, C-G-B-F-B-E, creates a complex sonic landscape. The low C and G provide a powerful root and fifth, while the subsequent B and F introduce interesting harmonic tension and colour. The repetition of the B note an octave higher (B2 and B3) and the perfect fourth interval on the highest strings (B3 to E4) adds a sense of consistency and brightness to the upper register, contrasting with the depth of the lower strings. This tuning avoids the easy open major or minor chords, instead leaning into more open, suspended, or dissonant qualities. It's likely to appeal to players looking for unique sonic textures, ambient soundscapes, or those exploring non-traditional blues, jazz, or experimental music. The intervals encourage a fresh approach to chord voicings and melodic lines, often creating expansive and atmospheric sounds.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, CGBFBE presents a unique set of intervals:

String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones). This provides a strong, foundational power chord interval.
String 5 (G2) to String 4 (B2): A Major 3rd (4 semitones). This introduces a brighter, major-like quality in the lower-mid register.
String 4 (B2) to String 3 (F3): A Tritone (6 semitones). This highly dissonant interval is a defining characteristic of the tuning, creating tension and an "open" sound.
String 3 (F3) to String 2 (B3): A Tritone (6 semitones). Another tritone, reinforcing the unique harmonic character and creating symmetrical tension with the previous interval. The B notes are an octave apart.
String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones). This offers a more stable and familiar interval in the upper register, similar to the top two strings in standard tuning (though shifted).

The open strings collectively form the notes C, E, G, B, F. This can be interpreted as a C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B) with an added natural 11 (F), creating a distinctive Cmaj7(add11) or Lydian-esque flavour if the F is treated as an extension. The prominent tritone intervals (B-F and F-B) are key to its unique sonic signature, making it suitable for genres where tension and release, or drone-like textures, are desired. Basic open chords like a standard C Major are not directly accessible, but a powerful C root can be strummed, and various modal shapes will emerge. Chords like open C5 (C-G), Gsus4 (G-C-D), or even more complex voicings involving the B and F are readily available, encouraging exploration beyond conventional chord shapes. The tuning lends itself well to fingerstyle playing, allowing for ringing open strings and intricate melodic lines over a sustained harmonic bed.

How to Tune (from EADGBe Standard Tuning)

To achieve the "CGBFBE" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully. Note that significant string tension changes may occur, especially on the lowest string.

String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop. Due to this substantial down-tuning, it is highly recommended to use a thicker gauge string (e.g., .056 or .060) to maintain adequate tension and tone quality.
String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
String 3 (G to F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Always double-check your tuning with an accurate chromatic tuner. Be mindful of string tension when making large tuning adjustments.

String 6: Tuned to C2 (the lowest C note on a standard 88-key piano). This provides a deep, resonant bass foundation.
String 5: Tuned to G2 (a perfect fifth above C2). This adds richness and harmonic support to the root.
String 4: Tuned to B2 (a major third above G2). This introduces a brighter, major-like quality.
String 3: Tuned to F3 (a tritone above B2). This creates harmonic tension and a unique flavour.
String 2: Tuned to B3 (a tritone above F3, an octave higher than B2). This repeats the B note for consistency and upper-mid register brightness.
String 1: Tuned to E4 (a perfect fourth above B3). This provides a familiar and bright top end to the tuning.