The PWC Open Tuning is a uniquely structured guitar tuning that leverages a blend of powerful low-end chords and dissonant, melodic higher register capabilities. As its description suggests, it's designed to be versatile, offering a foundation for both "chuggy power chords" and "twinkly dissonant riffs," performing well whether clean or distorted.

Technical Analysis:

• The open strings are tuned to C2 G2 C3 G3 G#4 D#5 (from low E to high E).
• The lower four strings (C2 G2 C3 G3) form an extended C Power Chord (C5), providing a deep, resonant foundation. This configuration is excellent for heavy rhythm work and driving riffs.
• The higher two strings (G#4 D#5) form a G# Power Chord (G#5). This creates a distinct melodic and harmonic character for lead lines.
• A key characteristic of this tuning is the interval between the third string (G3) and the second string (G#4). These notes are a minor second apart across an octave, creating a potent and dramatic dissonance. This tension is central to achieving the described "twinkly dissonant riffs" and gives the tuning its unique sonic signature.
• Overall, the tuning combines a low C5 chord with a high G#5 chord, creating an interesting polytonal or bitonal effect that offers broad harmonic possibilities beyond traditional open tunings.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes:

• Open C5: By strumming only the bottom four strings (C2 G2 C3 G3), you get a powerful, ringing C5 chord, perfect for heavy rock or metal.
• Open G#5: The top two strings (G#4 D#5) give you an open G#5 power chord, which can be used for brighter, more cutting lead lines or textural layers.
• Movable Power Chords: The consistent C-G-C-G pattern on the lower strings means that barring these strings at any fret will easily yield movable power chord shapes (e.g., barring all four at the 3rd fret gives D5).
• Dissonant Voicings: The unique minor second interval between G3 and G#4, coupled with the distinct C5 and G#5 chords, opens up opportunities for dramatic and atmospheric voicings by combining various open strings and fretted notes.

How to Tune to PWC Open Tuning:

To achieve the PWC Open Tuning, you will adjust your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) according to the following instructions. Please pay close attention to the number of semitones each string needs to move.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and stability, as it is at the threshold where string gauge consideration is recommended.)
• 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 down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.