CGDFAD Tuning: Deep Resonance and Harmonic Richness

The CGDFAD tuning dramatically re-envisions the guitar's sonic landscape, offering a profound sense of depth and unique harmonic possibilities. Shifting the instrument's fundamental register significantly lower, this tuning is perfectly suited for styles requiring a heavy, resonant foundation, such as ambient soundscapes, modern progressive metal, or emotive fingerstyle pieces. The overall impression is one of open, dark, and complex voicings, inviting exploration beyond standard guitar idioms. The original inspiration, which mentions its use on YouTube and a suggestion for a 7-string F1, highlights a desire for extreme low-end capability, which this 6-string adaptation certainly achieves.

Technical Analysis: Intervals and Open Chords

Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, CGDFAD features a complete overhaul, with most strings tuned down. This results in the following open string notes from low to high: C2-G2-D3-F3-A3-D4.

• The lowest three strings (C2-G2-D3) feature two consecutive Perfect Fifths, creating an incredibly strong and resonant power chord foundation. This makes the tuning excellent for powerful, droning riffs or expansive open chords with a thick low-end.
• The interval between the 4th (D3) and 3rd (F3) strings is a Minor Third.
• The interval between the 3rd (F3) and 2nd (A3) strings is a Major Third.
• The interval between the 2nd (A3) and 1st (D4) strings is a Perfect Fourth.

The open strings C-G-D-F-A-D, when strummed together, form a rich and complex D minor 11 chord (D-F-A-C-G and an octave D). This provides an instantly evocative, melancholic, and full sound. The presence of the D minor triad (D-F-A) on the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings makes it remarkably easy to voice D minor chords and arpeggios.

Chords Within Reach:

• Open Power Chords: The lowest three strings (C-G-D) naturally form a C5 power chord. This shape can be easily moved up and down the neck to create resonant power chords with minimal effort, similar to 'drop' tunings but starting from a much deeper root.
• Open D Minor: The D-F-A notes on strings 4, 3, and 2 mean that D minor chords are readily available using open strings or simple single-finger barres. This provides an immediate harmonic center for the tuning.
• C-based voicings: While not a full C Major chord, the open C and G notes allow for various C-centric voicings, often with suspended or modal qualities due to the surrounding notes.
• Unique Arpeggios: The non-standard intervals create fresh opportunities for arpeggiated figures that sound unique and unexpected compared to standard tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar to CGDFAD

To achieve the CGDFAD tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E to C): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Important Note: This is a substantial drop. If using standard light or medium gauge strings, you may experience significant slack and reduced tension. For optimal tone, intonation, and playability, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this particular string.
• 5th String (A to G): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D to D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G to F): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B to A): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E to D): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

String 6: C2 (the lowest string)

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: F3

String 2: A3

String 1: D4 (the highest string)