Verbal and Technical Analysis: CGDAEB Perfect Fifths Tuning

This unique guitar tuning transforms the instrument into a resonant soundscape, presenting a distinct sonic character far removed from standard EADGBe tuning. While the provided description suggests it is 'derived from fourths', a closer technical analysis of the notes reveals a consistent pattern of perfect fifths across all strings. This means the intervals between adjacent strings are all 7 semitones (a perfect fifth), creating a powerful, open, and harmonically rich foundation.

The tuning spans a wide range, from a deep C2 on the lowest string to a bright B3 on the highest, offering an expansive tonal palette. The consistent interval structure of perfect fifths gives this tuning a uniform feel, making certain melodic and harmonic concepts highly intuitive across the fretboard, while simultaneously challenging conventional chord shapes. It offers a powerful, almost orchestral resonance when strummed open, and lends itself well to drone-based music, heavy rock, metal, or experimental genres where a unique sonic texture is desired.

Chords and Playability

The open strings (C2-G2-D3-A3-E3-B3) do not form a conventional major or minor chord, but rather a rich, complex stack of perfect fifths. This creates a very open, resonant, and somewhat ambiguous sound, perfect for atmospheric textures or powerful, droning figures.

• Power Chords: Due to the perfect fifth interval between all adjacent strings, playing power chords (root-fifth) is incredibly intuitive and easy. Simply fret any two adjacent strings at the same fret, and you have a perfect power chord. This makes the tuning excellent for aggressive rhythm guitar styles.
• Triads: Major and minor triads will require entirely new fingerings and often significant stretches. For example, a C Major triad (C-E-G) would involve the open 6th string (C), the open 2nd string (E), and the open 5th string (G). While possible, it forces players to rethink voicings and potentially skip strings.
• Melodic Lines: The consistent intervals can make scales and melodic patterns feel very logical and symmetrical across the neck, though the large interval jumps might require adapting familiar patterns.

How to Tune

To achieve the CGDAEB Perfect Fifths tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, significant adjustments are required for most strings. Please be mindful of string tension and consider a different string gauge for strings with larger movements.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Original E2 to C2)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. (Original A2 to G2)
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3. (Original D3 to D3)
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. (Original G3 to A3)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 7 semitones to E3. (Original B3 to E3). A different string gauge is strongly advised for this significant drop in tension.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (Original E4 to B3). A different string gauge is strongly advised for this significant drop in tension.

Tuning up or down by more than 4 semitones can significantly impact string tension and potentially damage your guitar or strings if not handled carefully. For strings 2 and 1, where the movement is -7 and -5 semitones respectively, using a heavier gauge string for the original 'B' and 'High E' positions would be beneficial to maintain proper tension and tone.

String 6: C2
String 5: G2
String 4: D3
String 3: A3
String 2: E3
String 1: B3