Tuning Overview: C/D 11th Tuning

The "C/D 11th tuning" for guitar is a deeply resonant and harmonically rich altered tuning, establishing a strong foundation around C while incorporating elements of D. This tuning moves significantly away from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape that is both familiar in its open chord possibilities and uniquely inspiring for exploration. It's particularly well-suited for styles requiring a full, open sound, such as fingerstyle, folk, ambient, or modern rock.

Technical Analysis:

• The open strings are tuned to C2-G2-D3-A3-A3-D4.
• This configuration creates a complex open voicing that can be identified as a C6/9 chord (C-G-D-A-A-D). The inclusion of the 2nd (D) and 6th (A) over a C root gives it a sophisticated, suspended-like quality while remaining grounded in C major.
• Notable intervals include a perfect fifth between the 6th and 5th strings (C-G), and an octave between the 4th and 1st strings (D3-D4).
• The presence of two A3s (3rd and 2nd strings) and two D notes (4th and 1st strings, an octave apart) adds significant sustain and allows for interesting drone possibilities and reinforced melodic lines.
• While named "11th tuning", the open string set does not explicitly contain an F or F# (the 11th degree from C). The name likely hints at its extended, jazzy voicings and rich harmonic possibilities beyond simple triads.

Verbal Analysis & Musical Applications:

• The open tuning itself rings out as a beautiful C6/9 chord, providing an immediate lush sonic texture that can be strummed openly or arpeggiated for expressive results.
• The powerful low C and G create a strong rhythmic backbone, making it excellent for rhythm guitar work with a full sound.
• The repeated A and D notes offer natural drone opportunities, allowing for melodic exploration on adjacent strings while maintaining a harmonic center.
• Chord shapes are likely to be simplified, especially for C, G, and D-based chords, as many of their constituent notes are already present or easily accessible with minimal fret hand movement. For example, barre chords will likely yield new, interesting voicings.
• This tuning encourages experimentation with modal playing and discovering unique voicings that are not readily available in standard tuning. The open string harmony is complex enough to inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas.

Detailed String Notes

Here are the specific notes for each string in the C/D 11th tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): C2
• String 5 (A): G2
• String 4 (D): D3
• String 3 (G): A3
• String 2 (B): A3
• String 1 (High E): D4

How to Tune to C/D 11th

To achieve the C/D 11th tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Please note that a significant drop of 4 semitones can slacken the string considerably; for optimal tension and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string for the low E if this tuning is used frequently.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. Tuning up 2 semitones should be done with care, especially if using lighter gauge strings.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: String adjustments of 4 semitones down or 4 semitones up are significant. For tunings exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones, it is generally advised to consider a different gauge string to maintain proper tension and avoid potential string breakage (when tuning up) or excessive floppiness (when tuning down).