This tuning, often associated with Elliott Smith's early work, is described as "sickly sweet sounding" and "eerily beautiful." It perfectly encapsulates a melancholic yet resonant style.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-G2-C3-E3-A3-D4. This configuration immediately establishes a strong C major tonality. The lowest three strings (C-G-C) form a powerful C5 (power chord). When all strings are strummed open, the resulting chord is a rich Cmaj6/9, offering a complex yet pleasing harmony that is both bright and melancholic. The arrangement of notes, particularly the intervals of a perfect fifth (D-A, A-E, C-G) and a major third (C-E), creates a full, resonant sound that can be surprisingly versatile for intricate fingerpicking or sustained open chords.

The unique intervallic structure of CGCEAD makes certain chord shapes easily accessible. For example, simply strumming the lower four strings (C-G-C-E) yields a full C Major chord. The inclusion of A and D in the higher strings allows for readily accessible extensions, forming open position chords like C major 6 or C major 9 with minimal fretting, which greatly contributes to the tuning's characteristic "sweet" and expansive sound.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the recommendations regarding string gauge for strings tuned down more than 4 semitones:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Caution: Tuning down this far (more than 4 semitones) may cause significant loss of string tension and intonation issues. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

6th String (Low E): Tuned to C2

5th String (A): Tuned to G2

4th String (D): Tuned to C3

3rd String (G): Tuned to E3

2nd String (B): Tuned to A3

1st String (High E): Tuned to D4