Drop C is a deep and powerful guitar tuning, designed for the heaviest sonic landscapes in genres like metal, hard rock, and grunge. As the original description states, "CGCFAD is the standard Drop D tuning only with all the strings tuned down an additional step." This provides an incredibly low fundamental frequency, perfect for crafting crushing riffs and impactful chugs.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes for Drop C are C2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4. This tuning essentially takes the standard EADGBe tuning, lowers all strings by two whole steps (four semitones) to achieve C Standard (C-F-A#-D#-G-C), and then raises the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th strings by two semitones each, and the 6th string to C. Alternatively, it can be seen as starting from Drop D (DADGBe) and tuning every string down an additional whole step (two semitones), resulting in CGCFAD. The lowest three strings (C-G-C) immediately form a powerful C5 chord, making one-finger power chords incredibly accessible. The intervals between the open strings are:

• 6th String (C2) to 5th String (G2): Perfect 5th
• 5th String (G2) to 4th String (C3): Perfect 4th
• 4th String (C3) to 3rd String (F3): Perfect 4th
• 3rd String (F3) to 2nd String (A3): Major 3rd
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (D4): Perfect 4th

This unique combination of intervals, particularly the unison octaves and perfect fifth on the lowest strings, makes Drop C highly suitable for heavy, percussive riffing and allows for immense low-end impact. While the open strings don't form a simple major or minor chord across all six, the C-G-C foundation provides a strong root for power chords. The higher strings (F-A-D) can be utilized for melodic extensions, implying suspended or minor tonalities, or simply for added texture. The primary advantage lies in the easy accessibility of power chords on the lowest strings.

Due to the significantly lower tension compared to standard tuning, it is highly recommended to use heavy-gauge strings to maintain proper intonation, sustain, and feel. This will prevent the strings from feeling too loose or floppy, ensuring a tight, articulate sound even at such low frequencies.

Open String Notes:

6th String (Low E): C2
5th String (A): G2
4th String (D): C3
3rd String (G): F3
2nd String (B): A3
1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune:

To achieve Drop C tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a substantial drop from the standard E, and for optimal playability and intonation, using a heavier gauge string for your low C is highly recommended.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Given that the 6th string is tuned down 4 semitones, and all other strings are tuned down 2 semitones, these are significant adjustments from standard tuning. We strongly advise considering a heavier gauge string set than standard light or medium gauges. Heavier gauge strings will help maintain sufficient tension, prevent buzzing, and ensure better intonation and tuning stability for this low tuning.