Verbal & Technical Analysis: Csus4 Tuning

This is a captivating C modal tuning, specifically designed to resonate with a C suspended fourth chord (Csus4) when played open. As its name suggests and the tuning description notes, it subtly departs from a standard Open C tuning, most notably by raising the first string to F. This adjustment gives the tuning its distinctive suspended fourth quality, providing a rich and often ethereal sonic landscape.

The open strings ring out as C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-F4. When these notes are stacked, they clearly outline a Csus4 chord (C-F-G). The prevalence of C and G (root and fifth) across the lower strings creates a powerful, resonant foundation, while the high F adds the characteristic suspended fourth interval. This lack of a major or minor third in the open position lends itself to a neutral, modal sound, making it incredibly versatile for both major and minor contexts simply by adding the appropriate third with a fretted note.

The open Csus4 chord itself is beautiful for drone playing, fingerstyle, and slide guitar. The strong root-fifth intervals make it easy to develop melodic lines and harmonies. Barring across a single fret will yield variations of a Csus4 chord shape, transposed up the neck. For instance, barring all strings at the 5th fret will produce an Fsus4 chord (F-C-F-C-F-Bb, if fretted notes are considered, but the fundamental shape from the open C-G-C-G-C-F is preserved relative to the root).

This tuning is particularly well-suited for exploring modal music. Its open, resonant nature encourages experimentation and can inspire unique voicings and melodic patterns that might not be easily accessible in standard tuning. The close proximity of the high C and F (a fourth apart) also offers interesting harmonic possibilities on the upper register.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Csus4

To achieve the Csus4 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (From E2 to C2)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. (From A2 to G2)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (From D3 to C3)
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3. (From G3 to G3)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. (From B3 to C4)
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4. (From E4 to F4)

Important Note on String Gauge: Please exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant pitch changes. The 6th string requires a substantial drop of 4 semitones. While generally manageable, if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods, or if your instrument struggles with the tension changes, considering a different string gauge for the low E string might be advisable to ensure optimal playability and string integrity.

String 6: C2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: C4

String 1: F4