CGDABD Guitar Tuner
CGDABD Synergy - Guitar tuning, chords & scales
"Synergy" is a highly distinctive and resonant open tuning for guitar, skillfully blending elements from CGDABB and DADABD tunings to create a unique sonic landscape. This tuning is designed to unlock new harmonic possibilities and textures, offering a rich, expansive sound that encourages creative exploration.
Verbal Analysis
The overall impression of Synergy is one of depth and openness. The significantly dropped lowest string provides a powerful, almost orchestral bass foundation, grounding the sound with a deep rumble. The combination of perfect fifths on the lower strings (C-G-D) creates a massive, resonant drone capability, ideal for atmospheric music, fingerstyle compositions, or rhythmic patterns that benefit from a full, sustained low end. As you move to the higher strings (A-B-D), the tuning retains an airy, bright character. This blend allows for a wide dynamic range, from mellow, shimmering arpeggios to powerful, percussive strumming. It's a tuning that invites experimentation, pushing players to discover new voicings and melodic pathways that wouldn't be accessible in standard tuning.
Technical Analysis
From the lowest to the highest string, "Synergy" is tuned to C2-G2-D3-A3-B3-D4. This involves substantial changes from standard EADGBe tuning:
- The 6th string (low E) is tuned down a Major 3rd (4 semitones) to C2.
- The 5th string (A) is tuned down a Whole Step (2 semitones) to G2.
- The 4th string (D) remains at D3.
- The 3rd string (G) is tuned up a Whole Step (2 semitones) to A3.
- The 2nd string (B) remains at B3.
- The 1st string (high E) is tuned down a Whole Step (2 semitones) to D4.
The open strings (C, G, D, A, B, D) reveal an interesting harmonic landscape. The lowest three strings (C-G-D) are all perfect fifths apart, creating a very powerful and resonant foundation. The repetition of the D note (on the 4th and 1st strings) offers a natural open octave, adding to the tuning's spaciousness.
Chords and Voicings:
- An open G Major triad (G-B-D) is readily available on the 5th, 2nd, and 1st strings, providing a strong tonal center.
- The overall open voicing suggests a Gmaj9sus2 or C Lydian/G Mixolydian feel, due to the presence of C, D, G, A, B.
- Powerful open power chords are effortless on the lower strings; for example, a C5 chord can be played across the 6th and 5th strings (C-G), and a G5 across the 5th and 4th strings (G-D).
- Barring across all six strings at any fret will produce unique, harmonically rich open chords, often with suspended or extended qualities. For instance, barring at the 5th fret would yield an F-C-G-D-E-G progression.
- The tuning also facilitates drone-style playing, particularly using the low C and G, with melodies or other chord shapes played over them.
Open Tuning Notes
- String 6 (Lowest): C2
- String 5: G2
- String 4: D3
- String 3: A3
- String 2: B3
- String 1 (Highest): D4
How to Tune to Synergy
To achieve the "Synergy" tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows. Always tune slowly and precisely.
- String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Caution: This is a significant drop. While within the recommended range for standard gauge strings, always tune down slowly to avoid excessive slack or potential intonation issues.
- String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
- String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3.
- String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
- String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3.
- String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.
After tuning, re-check all strings as tension changes on one string can affect others. Enjoy exploring the unique sounds of Synergy!
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Tuning Map
- Fret
- S6
- S5
- S4
- S3
- S2
- S1
- -13
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F#
- A#
- D#
- -12
- E
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E
- -11
- F
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C
- F
- -10
- F#
- B
- E
- A
- C#
- F#
- -9
- G
- C
- F
- A#
- D
- G
- -8
- G#
- C#
- F#
- B
- D#
- G#
- -7
- A
- D
- G
- C
- E
- A
- -6
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F
- A#
- -5
- B
- E
- A
- D
- F#
- B
- -4
- C
- F
- A#
- D#
- G
- C
- -3
- C#
- F#
- B
- E
- G#
- C#
- -2
- D
- G
- C
- F
- A
- D
- -1
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F#
- A#
- D#
- 0
- E
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E
- 1
- F
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C
- F
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- F#
- B
- E
- A
- C#
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- 3
- G
- C
- F
- A#
- D
- G
- 4
- G#
- C#
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- B
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- 5
- A
- D
- G
- C
- E
- A
- 6
- A#
- D#
- G#
- C#
- F
- A#
- 7
- B
- E
- A
- D
- F#
- B
- -4
- -2
- 0
- 2
- 0
- -2
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