The Dondo-C Tuning, also known as C G C G A# F, is an open guitar tuning that provides a powerful and versatile soundscape. Designed with "intricate, six-string rock chords, bar chords, etc." in mind, it transforms the standard guitar into a resonant instrument, ideal for genres demanding a deep, driving rhythm section combined with expressive melodic and harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning establishes its foundation on a rich C root, with the open strings tuned to C2 G2 C3 G3 A#4 F4. The lower four strings (C-G-C-G) immediately present a robust C power chord, offering a solid and resonant bass for powerful riffs and driving rhythms. This structure is reminiscent of open C or drop C tunings, providing an immediate sense of depth and weight, perfect for heavy rock, metal, or even progressive genres.

The upper two strings, A#4 (Bb4) and F4, introduce sophisticated harmonic possibilities. When played open, the full tuning forms a complex C7sus4 chord (C-F-G-Bb), or more precisely, C2-G2-C3-G3-Bb4-F4. This provides a bluesy, jazzy, or even progressive rock flavor right at your fingertips without fretting a single note. The interval of a minor seventh (Bb) and a perfect fourth (F) relative to the root C allows for expressive chord voicings and melodic improvisation, moving beyond simple power chords into more intricate harmonic territories.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open String Resonance: The open strings themselves form a beautiful, full C7sus4 chord, perfect for drones, intros, or atmospheric passages. This complex open voicing serves as a rich starting point for compositions.
• Barre Chords: Due to the consistent interval structure of the lower strings (C-G-C-G), barre chords across all six strings will yield powerful extended dominant suspended chords. For example, barring at the 1st fret gives a C#7sus4, at the 5th fret a G7sus4. The consistent shape makes transposing these complex chords effortless across the fretboard.
• Power Chords: Simply muting the top two strings and barring the lower four will easily produce powerful 5th chords up and down the neck, ideal for heavy rock and metal rhythms that require a strong, uncluttered foundation.
• Unique Voicings: The unique combination of a strong C foundation with the Bb and F on top allows for distinct voicings not easily achieved in standard tuning, opening doors for creative songwriting and sound design, especially when exploring blues, jazz-fusion, or modern progressive rock styles.

Open String Notes

• 6th String (Low E): C2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): A#4 (or Bb4)
• 1st String (High E): F4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• 6th String (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings the E string significantly lower to C, adding substantial depth.
• 5th String (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones. This drops the A string to G.
• 4th String (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones. This changes the D string to C.
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The G string remains at its standard pitch.
• 2nd String (B to A#4): Tune down 1 semitone. The B string is lowered to A# (which is enharmonically Bb).
• 1st String (High E to F4): Tune up 1 semitone. The high E string is raised to F. *(Note: Exercise caution when tuning up to avoid string breakage.)*