The Nick Drake tuning, also known as CGCFBE, is a highly distinctive and deeply resonant guitar tuning that was famously used by the enigmatic British singer-songwriter Nick Drake. It moves significantly away from standard tuning, creating a rich, melancholic, and often atmospheric soundscape, ideal for intricate fingerstyle arrangements.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning is characterized by its exceptionally low bass strings, with the 6th string tuned down to a C and the 5th to a G. This provides a powerful, almost drone-like foundation that adds immense depth and warmth to the guitar's sound. The arrangement of the middle strings (C-F) further contributes to a unique harmonic palette, often hinting at suspended or modal qualities. The two highest strings (B-E) remain at standard pitch, allowing for familiar melodic voicings and contrasts against the altered lower register. The overall feel is one of introspection and expansive harmony, making it perfect for expressive, open-voiced chords and delicate arpeggios.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning notes are C2-G2-C3-F3-B3-E4. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the transformation is substantial:

• String 6 (low E) is dropped by a major third (4 semitones) to C2.
• String 5 (A) is dropped by a whole step (2 semitones) to G2.
• String 4 (D) is dropped by a whole step (2 semitones) to C3.
• String 3 (G) is dropped by a whole step (2 semitones) to F3.
• Strings 2 (B) and 1 (high E) remain at their standard pitch.

The interval structure from the lowest C is C (root), G (perfect fifth), C (octave), F (perfect fourth above the root C, or P4 above C3), B (major seventh above the root C, or M3 above F3), E (major third above the root C, or M3 above B3). This combination creates a complex harmonic landscape. The open strings C-G-C-F form a C suspended 4th chord with a strong root and fifth. The addition of B and E adds a distinctive colour, hinting at Cmaj7 (C-E-G-B) but with the F creating an interesting dissonance or modal flavor. While not an open chord in the traditional sense, strumming all open strings produces a rich, full sound with a melancholic edge. Many of Nick Drake's pieces in this tuning utilize specific fingerings that leverage these open strings as drones or pedal tones. Barring across the neck will yield unique chord voicings, often with a sus4 or added tone quality due to the F string. This tuning truly encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, leading to innovative harmonic and melodic possibilities.

Open String Notes:

6th String: C2 (Low C)
5th String: G2 (G)
4th String: C3 (Middle C)
3rd String: F3 (F)
2nd String: B3 (B)
1st String: E4 (High E)

How to Tune:

Carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. For strings tuned down significantly (like the 6th string), consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension. For strings tuned up or down by more than 4 semitones, a different gauge string is generally advised. Always tune down to pitch to avoid over-tightening and potential string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is at the limit where a heavier gauge string might be beneficial for stable tension and intonation.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E to E4.