The "Loom" tuning, as described by its creator, evokes a sound reminiscent of its namesake – perhaps hinting at intricate, weaving sonic textures. Inspired by the innovative open tunings of artists like Joni Mitchell, this tuning aims to offer a fresh perspective while maintaining a familiar, resonant quality. It's designed for players looking to explore unique harmonic landscapes and rich, extended chords, moving beyond conventional guitar voicings.

Technical Analysis

Loom tuning sets the guitar to C2 G2 C3 F3 B3 D4 from lowest to highest string. This configuration creates a deep, open C-centric sound with distinct harmonic possibilities:

• Root and Foundation: The lowest three strings (C2, G2, C3) form a powerful and resonant C5 chord (C power chord), providing a strong tonal center. This deep C provides a solid bass foundation.
• Harmonic Complexity: The full open string voicing of C G C F B D presents a rich, extended chord. If we consider C as the root, the notes present are: C (root), G (perfect 5th), C (octave), F (perfect 4th/11th), B (major 7th), and D (major 2nd/9th). This creates a C major 9 (add4) or Cmaj9(no3) with a natural 4th (C D F G B). This is a sophisticated and open-ended sound, allowing for both major and potentially modal explorations due to the presence of the natural 4th (F) and the major 7th (B).
• Interesting Intervals: Notable intervals include a series of perfect 5th (C-G) and perfect 4ths (G-C, C-F) in the lower register, leading to a striking tritone (F-B) between the 4th and 3rd strings. This tritone adds tension and a bluesy or jazzy flavor, naturally seeking resolution. The B-D interval on the higher strings is a minor 3rd, a classic consonant interval. These varied intervals ensure that standard chord shapes will yield entirely new and often surprising voicings.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • The open strings themselves create a complex Cmaj9 (add4) or Cmaj9(no3) chord, perfect for sustained, ringing tones.
  • By barring across any fret, you can easily create extended, multi-octave voicings based on this unique C-centric structure. For example, a single-fret bar provides a dense, rich chord that's neither major nor minor in a conventional sense but full of character.
  • Shapes that would typically be minor or major in standard tuning will yield exotic results here, encouraging exploration beyond typical chord boxes. The open C-G-C foundation makes it easy to find C major or C minor (by flattening the B and D) voicings by simply fretting adjacent strings in familiar patterns.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Loom Tuning

To achieve the unique sound of Loom Tuning from standard E A D G B E, you will need to adjust your strings as follows. Please take particular care with tuning adjustments, especially those exceeding 4 semitones, as these may require a different string gauge for optimal performance, tone, and to prevent potential string breakage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone).
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.