Tuning Overview: C Major 7th Open Tuning

This unique tuning, which we've named C Major 7th Open Tuning, transforms the guitar into a highly resonant instrument that, in its open state, beautifully articulates a C Major 7th chord. As the original description notes, this is a "Made up tuning, very specific use," indicating its departure from standard conventions and its potential for specialized musical applications.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a deeply resonant, almost ethereal sound when all strings are strummed open. The C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B) is fully present across the open strings, making it incredibly rich and full. The doubled C and E notes add to its expansive sound, creating a lush harmonic bed. This tuning would excel in genres requiring sustained chords, intricate arpeggios, or a rich, droning quality. Think fingerstyle, ambient music, or compositions where a warm, sophisticated harmonic foundation is desired. It's particularly well-suited for slide guitar due to the open chord, allowing for easy melodic exploration over a consistent harmonic base. The presence of the B (the major 7th) gives it a jazzy or contemplative character, moving it beyond a simple major chord.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: C2 G2 C3 E3 B3 E4
• Root Note: C
• Interval Structure (from low C): Root (C2), Perfect 5th (G2), Octave (C3), Major 3rd (E3), Major 7th (B3), Octave + Major 3rd (E4).
• Harmonic Content: The open tuning clearly spells out a C Major 7th chord (C, E, G, B) with an octave C and an octave E reinforcing the fundamental and third. This provides an immediate, full-bodied Cmaj7 sound without fretting.
• Chordal Opportunities: Beyond the open Cmaj7, simple barre shapes up the neck will transpose this Cmaj7 structure into other major 7th chords. For example, barring all strings at the 2nd fret would yield a D Major 7th, and at the 3rd fret, an Eb Major 7th, and so on. This makes it very intuitive for playing a progression of major 7th chords. Individual string groupings also offer possibilities; the lowest three strings (C G C) form a powerful C5 chord, while the upper strings (E B E) create an open E5, which when combined with the lower strings, form the Cmaj7 chord.

Due to the significant down-tuning of the lowest string by 4 semitones, a heavier gauge string set may be advisable for the low C string to maintain proper tension and intonation, ensuring the instrument plays and sounds its best.

Tuning Comparison to Standard EADGBe

This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, with all but the two highest strings tuned down. This results in a much lower overall pitch and a completely different harmonic landscape.

How to Tune Your Guitar to C Major 7th Open Tuning (CGCEBE)

To achieve the rich, resonant sound of the C Major 7th Open Tuning, follow these precise string adjustments. It's crucial to be mindful of the semitone changes.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2.
  Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a considerable drop. For optimal tension and tone, especially if playing aggressively, you might consider a heavier gauge string for this string.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• String 2 (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (High E String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

Always tune carefully and check your intonation after significant tuning changes.