This unique guitar tuning, often associated with the legendary Joni Mitchell, provides a rich, open sound that characterizes much of her work. As the original submitter notes, "I use that tuning for Joni Mitchell songs," highlighting its suitability for her distinctive songwriting style.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to the following notes, from low to high:

• String 6: C2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: C4

This configuration creates a resonant C Major 9 chord (C-E-G-D) when played open. The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• 6th to 5th (C to G): Perfect 5th
• 5th to 4th (G to D): Perfect 5th
• 4th to 3rd (D to E): Major 2nd
• 3rd to 2nd (E to G): Minor 3rd
• 2nd to 1st (G to C): Perfect 4th

This tuning is a variant of an Open C tuning, but with the distinctive D3 on the 4th string and E3 on the 3rd string, which gives it a unique harmonic flavor, creating a suspended quality and rich textures.

Chords & Playability

The prevalence of C and G notes across the tuning (C-G-D-E-G-C) creates a strong sense of the key of C Major. The open C Major 9 chord allows for incredibly full and complex voicings with minimal effort. Barring across any fret will naturally produce a major 9 chord shape, opening up a world of melodic and harmonic possibilities with simple slides. The unique intervals between certain strings, particularly the Major 2nd (D-E) and Minor 3rd (E-G), allow for interesting melodic lines and dissonances against the C-G root, facilitating complex harmonies with relatively simple fingerings. This tuning is particularly effective for fingerstyle playing, allowing for ringing open strings and sustained harmonies.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve this tuning from standard E A D G B E, follow these instructions:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance if maintaining this tuning.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance if maintaining this tuning.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance if maintaining this tuning.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning down 4 or more semitones, as is the case for several strings in this tuning, a different gauge string is often advised. For optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness, consider using a heavier gauge string set if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods.

String 6 (Low E): C2

String 5 (A): G2

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): E3

String 2 (B): G3

String 1 (High E): C4