Verbal Analysis: Dropped C Tuning

This "Dropped C" tuning creates a powerful and resonant soundscape. As described in the original tuning, it indeed forms a C sus4/9 chord in its open state, offering a rich, full, and slightly ambiguous harmonic foundation that can be both heavy and melodic. The extremely low C provides a deep, growling base, perfect for modern rock, metal, and heavy blues. The arrangement of notes lends itself well to power chords and riffing, especially on the lower strings, while the higher strings maintain melodic possibilities. The presence of multiple open C notes (C2, C3, C4) makes for easy one-finger barres for C-based chords, and the overall intervallic structure facilitates thick, impactful voicings and drone effects.

Technical Analysis: Dropped C Tuning

The open string notes for this tuning are C2-G2-C3-F3-C4-D4. Compared to standard E Standard tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), this is a significantly altered and lowered tuning.

• The low E string (String 6) is dropped two whole steps (four semitones) to C2, giving the tuning its "Dropped C" characteristic and a much lower fundamental.
• The A string (String 5) is dropped a whole step (two semitones) to G2.
• The D string (String 4) is dropped a whole step (two semitones) to C3.
• The G string (String 3) is dropped a whole step (two semitones) to F3.
• The B string (String 2) is raised a semitone (one semitone) to C4.
• The high E string (String 1) is dropped a whole step (two semitones) to D4.

The open strings C-G-C-F-C-D collectively form a C sus4 (C-F-G) with an added 9th (D) and octave C's. This creates a very open, resonant chord with considerable harmonic depth. The identical C notes (C2, C3, C4) on strings 6, 4, and 2 respectively, allow for easy octave power chords and drone effects, making it particularly effective for heavy riffing.

Intervallic Structure (from lowest to highest string):

• String 6 to 5 (C2-G2): Perfect Fifth
• String 5 to 4 (G2-C3): Perfect Fourth
• String 4 to 3 (C3-F3): Perfect Fourth
• String 3 to 2 (F3-C4): Perfect Fifth
• String 2 to 1 (C4-D4): Major Second (Whole Step)

This combination of perfect fourths and fifths, with the unique C-D whole step on the high strings, offers distinct voicing opportunities not found in standard tuning. The overall low pitch is ideal for heavy music, providing a thick wall of sound.

How to Tune:

To achieve Dropped C tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (E → Eb → D → Db → C). Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and intonation.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. (A → Ab → G).
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (D → Db → C).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. (G → Gb → F).
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. (B → C).
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. (E → Eb → D).

General warning: When tuning strings significantly (exceeding 4 semitones up or down from standard), it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to maintain proper tension, intonation, and avoid potential string breakage.

String 6: C2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: C4

String 1: D4