Welcome to the C Majestic Tuning, a rich and expansive open tuning that transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape. This tuning, originally found and explored, offers a captivating and full-bodied sound, perfect for those looking to venture beyond standard tunings. It's particularly well-suited for creating lush, atmospheric textures, drone-based music, and fingerstyle compositions where the open strings can ring out beautifully.

Technical Analysis:

The C Majestic Tuning configures the guitar to the notes C2-G2-C3-E3-B3-C4, from the lowest to the highest string. This arrangement effectively creates an open C Major 7th chord, giving the instrument an immediate harmonic richness when strummed open.

• The multiple C notes (C2, C3, C4) provide a powerful and sustained drone, anchoring the tuning with a strong fundamental.
• The G2 establishes the perfect fifth, adding stability and depth to the chord.
• The E3 provides the major third, defining the major quality of the tuning.
• The B3 introduces the major seventh, giving the tuning its "majestic", sophisticated, and slightly jazzy or ethereal character.

This configuration is highly versatile for creating open voicings and allows for easy exploration of melodic ideas over a static harmonic bed. Barre chords will naturally yield other Major 7th voicings up the neck, while simple two and three-finger shapes can create interesting suspensions and extensions. The low C-G-C on the bass strings is also fantastic for powerful, driving rhythms and power chords.

Tuning Notes:

String 6 (Low E): C2
String 5 (A): G2
String 4 (D): C3
String 3 (G): E3
String 2 (B): B3
String 1 (High E): C4

How to Tune:

To achieve the C Majestic Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps for each string. Be mindful of string tension, especially with larger movements.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop; ensure your string gauge can handle the slack without buzzing, or consider a heavier gauge.
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones. Like the low E, this is a substantial drop. A heavier high E string might be beneficial for optimal tension and tone.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings down by 4 or more semitones, as with String 6 and String 1 in this tuning, you may experience excessive slack, intonation issues, or buzzing. For optimal playability and tone, especially if you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string set designed for lower tunings.