Verbal Analysis: The Expansive Sound of C 5ths

The "C 5ths" tuning, as described, offers guitarists a deep, resonant, and broadly voiced soundscape. While its name suggests a consistent perfect fifth interval across all strings, this particular configuration includes a notable deviation on the third string, which truly defines its unique character. The resulting open string notes (C2, G2, D3, A2, E3, B3) create an immediate sense of power and depth, evoking the rich lower registers of a grand piano. This makes the tuning especially suitable for creating expansive, drone-like textures, ambient soundscapes, or compositions that benefit from a robust harmonic foundation. The significant drops in pitch on several higher strings will result in a slacker string feel and a darker, more brooding tone, lending itself well to heavier genres, experimental music, or any style prioritizing rich open string resonance.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the C 5ths Structure

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open String Notes (from low E to high E string equivalent): C2, G2, D3, A2, E3, B3
• Intervals Between Open Strings (from low to high):
  • 6th String (C2) to 5th String (G2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 5th String (G2) to 4th String (D3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 4th String (D3) to 3rd String (A2): Perfect 4th Down (5 semitones down, or a Major 6th up, 7 semitones up if thinking chromatically from D3 to A3, but the target is A2). This is the key departure from a pure perfect fifths tuning.
  • 3rd String (A2) to 2nd String (E3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 2nd String (E3) to 1st String (B3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

This tuning is largely built upon Perfect Fifths, which naturally creates a wide harmonic spread and facilitates powerful, resonant chord voicings. The singular interval of a Perfect 4th down (D3 to A2) on the third string breaks the consistent pattern, introducing a unique tonal inflection and opening up different melodic and harmonic possibilities compared to a uniform all-fifths tuning.

Chordal Implications and Reach:

The open strings C, G, D, A, E, B collectively form a rich, complex harmony. Strumming all open strings together creates a resonant and consonant sound that can be interpreted as a C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B) with added D and A, or a Cmaj9. This makes the tuning highly effective for open, ringing voicings.

Due to the specific arrangement of notes, several common chords and intervals are readily available:

• C Major 7th: The notes C, E, G, and B are all present among the open strings (C2, G2, E3, B3), allowing for a natural and resonant open Cmaj7 voicing.
• G Major: The notes G, B, and D are available (G2, D3, B3).
• A minor: The notes A, C, and E are available (A2, C2, E3).
• E minor: The notes E, G, and B are available (E3, G2, B3).
• The prevalence of Perfect Fifth intervals between adjacent strings (C-G, G-D, A-E, E-B) makes power chords exceptionally easy to finger across the fretboard. Simple one-finger barring or two-finger shapes can produce powerful and thick-sounding fifths, ideal for rock, metal, and heavy blues.
• The low C2 provides a very deep root, giving a substantial foundation to any chord. While traditional guitar chord shapes might require larger stretches due to the wide intervals, the tuning encourages exploration of open, ringing voicings and melodic lines that leverage the sustained drone capabilities of the open strings, particularly when playing in keys related to C Major, G Major, or A minor.

How to Tune to C 5ths from Standard EADGBe

To achieve the C 5ths tuning from a standard EADGBe setup, follow these precise instructions for each string. Please pay close attention to the recommended string gauge changes for significant pitch alterations, as indicated.

• String 6 (Low E String): From its standard E2 pitch, tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A String): From its standard A2 pitch, tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D String): This string remains at its standard D3 pitch; keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain D3.
• String 3 (G String): From its standard G3 pitch, tune down 10 semitones to A2.
  ⚠ Caution: This is an extremely significant drop in pitch. For optimal tension, playability, and to prevent potential string breakage or buzzing, a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 2 (B String): From its standard B3 pitch, tune down 7 semitones to E3.
  ⚠ Caution: This is a very significant drop in pitch. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.
• String 1 (High E String): From its standard E4 pitch, tune down 5 semitones to B3.
  ⚠ Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to ensure good playability and intonation.

General Advisory: When tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones from its standard pitch, considering a different string gauge (lighter for tuning up significantly, heavier for tuning down significantly) is generally recommended to maintain optimal string tension, feel, and intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your strings or instrument.