The Open C Minor Low tuning reimagines the familiar Open C tuning by shifting its character from major to minor, offering a deeply resonant and melancholic soundscape. As the tuning description states, it's a minor variant of the Open C Low, providing a darker, more introspective tonal palette for guitarists.

Technical Analysis

This is a true open tuning, meaning that strumming all six open strings produces a full C Minor chord. The notes are configured as C2-G2-C3-D#4-G3-C4. Breaking this down, we have the root (C), fifth (G), root (C), minor third (D# which is Eb), fifth (G), and root (C) across the strings. This arrangement provides a rich, full-bodied C minor chord with a strong bass foundation, thanks to the low C2. The wide voicing across the fretboard allows for expansive harmonic possibilities.

Playing in Open C Minor Low naturally lends itself to a bluesy, mournful, or heavy sound. Chords built around the C minor scale will be readily accessible, with simple barres producing different minor chords along the neck. Power chords become incredibly simple to execute, often requiring just one or two fingers. Exploring arpeggios of C minor, G minor, and F minor will be intuitive. However, achieving major chords will require more deliberate finger placement due to the inherent minor tonality of the open strings.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant drops in pitch from standard E Standard tuning. Please approach with care, especially for the strings tuned down 4 semitones, as this is a considerable change in tension. For optimal playability and string life, considering a heavier gauge string set is advisable for such extensive down-tuning.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

6th String: C2 (Low C)

5th String: G2

4th String: C3

3rd String: D#4 (Eb4)

2nd String: G3

1st String: C4 (High C)