The Haircut Tuning, famously utilized in Pavement's track "Cut Your Hair," offers a distinctive and somewhat slacker-rock character. This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape rich with open resonance and unique harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

In standard tuning, a guitar is typically E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4. The Haircut Tuning reconfigures this to C2-G2-D3-A3-B3-E4.

• The most striking change is the dramatically lowered 6th string, dropping from E2 to C2. This deep, resonant bass note forms the root of the open tuning.
• The 5th string is tuned down from A2 to G2, reinforcing the C major tonality established by the low C.
• The 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings remain at their standard pitches (D3, B3, E4 respectively).
• The 3rd string is tuned up from G3 to A3.

Collectively, the open strings (C-G-D-A-B-E) form a rich Cmaj13 chord (C, E, G, B, D, A). This highly extended major chord, with its strong perfect fifth (G) and major second (D) on the lower strings, provides a full, shimmering, and somewhat suspended quality when strummed open. This makes it a fantastic tuning for open, droning chords and unconventional voicings.

Chordal Possibilities

The open Cmaj13 chord is the immediate highlight of this tuning. Beyond this, the relationships between the strings lend themselves to:

• Open Chord Voicings: Strumming all open strings yields a vibrant Cmaj13 chord, perfect for sustained, ringing textures.
• Power Chords: The combination of C-G-D on the lower strings makes for expansive power chord voicings by simply fretting across these strings.
• Melodic Phrases: The standard pitches of the top two strings (B3, E4) allow for familiar melodic playing, which can then interact uniquely with the altered lower strings.
• Droning Sounds: The low C provides a deep foundation for experimental and atmospheric droning sounds.

How to Tune

To achieve the Haircut Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop in pitch, and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone and prevent string floppiness.
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones. When tuning up, especially by more than a semitone, proceed with caution to avoid excessive string tension and potential breakage.
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), such as the low E to C2 in this tuning, changing to a different gauge string is generally recommended to ensure optimal playability and intonation.

String 6: Tune the low E string down 4 semitones to C2. Due to this significant drop, a thicker gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and avoid floppiness.

String 5: Tune the A string down 2 semitones to G2.

String 4: The D string remains at its standard pitch of D3; no adjustment is needed.

String 3: Tune the G string up 2 semitones to A3. Exercise caution when increasing string tension.

String 2: The B string remains at its standard pitch of B3; no adjustment is needed.

String 1: The high E string remains at its standard pitch of E4; no adjustment is needed.