About the CGDEAD Tuning

The CGDEAD tuning is a deep and highly resonant alternative tuning for guitar, characterized by significant downtuning across most strings. This unique setup moves far beyond standard EADGBe, offering a powerful, almost orchestral low end and a distinctive sonic palette. It's a tuning that encourages a departure from conventional playing, opening doors to new melodic and harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning cultivates a rich, dark, and expansive soundscape, making it exceptionally well-suited for genres that demand a heavy, full-bodied presence, such as doom metal, progressive rock, ambient soundscapes, or even experimental folk. The dramatic lowering of the sixth string to C2 provides an incredibly deep, almost baritone-like foundation, adding immense weight to the overall sound. The open strings resonate with a complex, suspended quality, suggesting a tonal center around C or G with intriguing harmonic extensions. This encourages a fresh approach to chord voicings, riff construction, and leads, often resulting in drone-like textures and powerful, open string harmonies that can feel both ancient and modern.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for CGDEAD are: C2 G2 D3 E3 A3 D4 (from the thickest/lowest pitch string to the thinnest/highest pitch string). Let's delve into the intervals and potential harmonic implications:

• Low End Power: The lowest three strings (C2, G2, D3) collectively form a very strong, open power chord feel, specifically a C5 (C-G) with an added D. This configuration provides a massive, resonant bass foundation, excellent for heavy riffs and drone passages.
• C Major Flavor: The combination of C2 (6th string), G2 (5th string), and E3 (3rd string) directly outlines a C Major triad (C-E-G). This suggests a foundational C Major tonality, providing a clear harmonic center despite the deep tuning.
• Upper Register Brightness: The higher strings (D3, E3, A3, D4) offer an interesting contrast. The D-A-D on strings 4, 2, and 1 forms an open D power chord, or a Dsus2 if considering the E3 on the 3rd string as part of the overall voicing. This section provides a brighter, more open, and melodic component against the deep lower strings.
• Overall Voicing: The complete set of notes (C, G, D, E, A, D) strongly implies a rich C Major tonality with dominant D and A notes, leading to possibilities like Cmaj9 or Cmaj13. Alternatively, due to the prominent G2 and D notes, one could explore a G Mixolydian or Gsus2/G5 feel.
• Accessible Chords: Chords that become particularly resonant and easy to finger in this tuning include variations of C Major chords (e.g., open Cmaj7, Cmaj9, or Cmaj13 voicings), powerful Gsus2 or G5 chords on the lower strings, and bright open D power chords on the higher strings. Experimentation with open string drones, slide techniques, and fingerings that utilize the stacked C-G-D on the lower strings will yield powerful and unique musical results.

How to Tune to CGDEAD

To achieve the CGDEAD tuning from standard EADGBe, you will need to adjust most of your strings significantly downwards. It's crucial to pay close attention to the specific instructions for each string. We strongly recommend using a reliable tuner and, for the larger pitch drops, considering heavier string gauges to maintain optimal tension and tone. This will also help prevent potential intonation issues or string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from its standard E2 to C2. Please note: A drop of 4 semitones is substantial. For optimal playability, to maintain proper string tension, and to prevent excessive floppiness, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): This string remains at its standard pitch; no change is required. It stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard G3 to E3. Please note: A drop of 3 semitones is significant. While not as extreme as the 6th string, it's advisable to take care during tuning and consider if a slightly heavier gauge might benefit this string for better tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E4 to D4.