Verbal and Technical Analysis: Ernesto Schnacks Tuning

The "Ernesto Schnacks" tuning, famously associated with a "Game of Thrones" aesthetic, transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant and dramatic sound machine. This is an open tuning, specifically a variant of Open C minor, crafted to evoke powerful, cinematic soundscapes. Verbally, it feels expansive and dark, with a strong, almost orchestral drone quality. The prevalence of C and G notes creates a massive, ringing foundation, while the high D# string introduces a unique, slightly mournful or tension-filled melodic voice. It's ideal for percussive strumming, haunting fingerstyle, or powerful slide work, lending itself perfectly to epic and medieval-inspired compositions.

Technically, this is an Open C minor tuning with a specific alteration on the highest string. The open notes are C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-D5#. This arrangement creates a full C minor chord (C-Eb-G) across the open strings, heavily emphasizing the root (C) and the fifth (G). The highest string, D# (enharmonically Eb), functions as the minor third of the C minor chord, providing its characteristic somber quality. Barring any fret on the guitar will immediately yield a minor chord (e.g., barring the first fret produces a C# minor chord, the third fret an Eb minor). This makes powerful, droning minor chords extremely accessible. While major chords require more intricate fingering, the tuning's open structure is excellent for crafting two and three-note power chords and sustained arpeggios that resonate beautifully.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

String 6 (C2): The deepest string, providing a powerful, foundational bass note. This C is tuned down 4 semitones from standard low E.

String 5 (G2): Tuned to a G, a perfect fifth above the low C, adding richness and depth to the lower register. This string is tuned down 2 semitones from standard A.

String 4 (C3): An octave above the lowest C, reinforcing the root of the tuning and adding to its full sound. This string is tuned down 2 semitones from standard D.

String 3 (G3): Remains a G, an octave above the G2, further enhancing the open C minor voicing. This string has no change from standard G.

String 2 (C4): Tuned up one semitone from standard B, creating another octave of C, contributing to a resonant stack of C notes.

String 1 (D5#): The highest string, tuned down one semitone from standard high E. This D# (enharmonically Eb) is a minor third above the C4, giving the tuning its unique minor tonality and a touch of dramatic tension.