Verbal Analysis:

This tuning, aptly named "Charango," reimagines your guitar as a resonant, open C-based instrument with a rich, full-bodied sound. It immediately evokes a warm, expansive feel, lending itself beautifully to folk, world music, and even ambient soundscapes. The low C provides a powerful, earthy foundation, while the open C major chord formed by the lower strings (C-G-C-E) creates a natural harmonic sweetness. The inclusion of the open A and high E adds layers of complexity, allowing it to lean towards a C6 or even an A minor tonality, offering surprising versatility.

Strumming the open strings is instantly gratifying, producing a full and harmonically interesting chord. The unique intervals will encourage new melodic exploration, making familiar fretboard shapes feel entirely fresh. Be prepared for a distinct shift in string tension, especially on the lower strings, which contribute to its deep sonic character.

Technical Analysis:

The "Charango" tuning for guitar establishes an open note configuration of C2-G2-C3-E3-A3-E4, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. This low-pitch tuning significantly deviates from standard EADGBe.

• Harmonic Structure: The lowest four strings (C2-G2-C3-E3) clearly outline a C Major chord, providing a strong tonal center. The addition of A3 creates a C6 voicing (C-E-G-A), enriching the major tonality. Alternatively, considering the notes A-C-E-G, it can also suggest an A minor 7th chord. The highest E4 reinforces the major third of C, adding a bright overtone.
• Intervals (low to high):
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 5th (P5)
  • String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (E3): Major 3rd (M3)
  • String 3 (E3) to String 2 (A3): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 5th (P5)
• Open Chords & Voicings:
  • Strumming all six open strings produces a rich C6 chord (C-G-C-E-A-E).
  • A C major triad (C-E-G) is readily available across multiple string groups.
  • An A minor triad (A-C-E) is also inherent, allowing for fluid shifts between related major and minor tonalities without complex fingerings.
• Playability: This tuning excels in creating powerful open drones on the C and G notes. While standard chord shapes will no longer apply, simple single-finger barres across the lower strings will yield impactful C major chords and their inversions. The presence of the open A and E notes means that certain A minor and E minor voicings might be surprisingly accessible on the higher strings, encouraging a unique fingerstyle approach.

How to Tune:

This section provides detailed instructions to achieve the "Charango" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E guitar tuning. Please note the significant drops in pitch for several strings. For changes of 4 semitones or more, considering a heavier string gauge is generally advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. This is a substantial drop. For changes of 4 semitones or more, a different string gauge may be advised.
• 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 down 3 semitones from G3 to E3. This is a notable drop, so proceed with care.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.