The CGCAC#E tuning is a striking and highly individual setup that offers a bold sound palette, blending deep resonance with intriguing harmonic tension. This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a sound world perfect for modern rock, metal, experimental music, or any genre seeking unique harmonic textures and powerful low end.

Verbal Analysis

From a playing perspective, CGCAC#E immediately provides a massive, thick sound on the lower strings, reminiscent of drop tunings. The C-G-C foundation makes for incredibly resonant power chords and low-end riffs. The higher strings, however, introduce a surprising brightness and an almost melodic quality, featuring an A Major triad (A-C#-E) when played in isolation. The true character of this tuning emerges when all strings are strummed open; the C# on the second string creates a potent half-step dissonance against the lower C notes, resulting in a rich, somewhat aggressive, and harmonically complex sound. This tension can be exploited for dramatic effect or resolved for a unique tonal color. It encourages creative chord voicings and arpeggios that would be impossible in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

This 6-string guitar tuning sets the open strings to the following notes, from lowest to highest (assuming standard EADGBe as the starting point for movements):

• String 6: C2 (Root)
• String 5: G2 (Perfect 5th from C)
• String 4: C3 (Octave from C2, Perfect 4th from G2)
• String 3: A3 (Major 6th from C2, Major 3rd from C3)
• String 2: C#4 (Major 2nd/Minor 9th from C2, Major 3rd from A3)
• String 1: E4 (Major 3rd from C2, Minor 3rd from C#4)

Key observations:

• The lowest three strings (C2-G2-C3) form a powerful C5 power chord, providing a solid, resonant base for heavy riffs.
• The notes A3-C#4-E4 on strings 3, 2, and 1 respectively, form an A Major triad, making open A Major-derived chords easily accessible on the higher register. Strumming strings 5, 3, 2, 1 (G-A-C#-E) yields an open A dominant 7th chord.
• When all open strings are strummed together (C-G-C-A-C#-E), the resulting harmony is complex. It can be interpreted as a C Major 6th chord (C-E-G-A) with an added raised 9th (C#), or potentially a form of a C Lydian #2 scale fragment. The crucial half-step interval between C and C# creates a deliberate tension that defines much of this tuning's character, offering a distinct edge and modern feel.
• The repeated C notes on strings 6 and 4 enhance the fundamental resonance of the C root.

This tuning encourages exploration of drone notes, dissonant chord voicings, and open-string riffs, particularly within the key of C or A, but with plenty of room for harmonic color outside of those keys due to the unique C#.

How to Tune to CGCAC#E from Standard EADGBe

To achieve the CGCAC#E tuning, you will adjust your strings from the standard EADGBe (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) as follows. Please exercise caution when tuning strings up significantly, as this increases string tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. Ensure your string can handle the slack without buzzing, or consider a heavier gauge string if playing consistently in this tuning.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B3 to C#4.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

Note on string gauge: When tuning a string down by more than 4 semitones or up by more than 4 semitones, it is generally advised to use a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and playability. For this tuning, String 6 drops 4 semitones, which is at the threshold. Pay attention to how the string feels and intonates.