Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, inspired by Beck's "Heart Is a Drum" from Morning Phase, radically transforms the guitar's sonic landscape. It centres around a deep C, creating a profoundly resonant and atmospheric sound. By dropping several strings significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, it encourages a fresh approach to the fretboard, lending itself beautifully to open, drone-like voicings and complex harmonic textures. Ideal for fingerstyle, ambient music, or compositions requiring a rich, introspective character, this tuning invites players to explore new melodic and harmonic possibilities outside of conventional shapes.

Technical Analysis

The tuning shifts from the standard E-A-D-G-B-E to C2-G2-D3-F3-B3-E4. Let's break down the intervals and implications:

• The 6th string (low E) is tuned down a major third (4 semitones) to C2. This creates a very deep, fundamental bass note and significantly loosens the string.
• The 5th string (A) is tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to G2, forming a perfect fifth with the open 6th string C.
• The 4th string remains D3.
• The 3rd string (G) is tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to F3.
• The 2nd string remains B3.
• The 1st string remains E4.

The open string voicing of C-G-D-F-B-E is harmonically rich and complex. Relative to C, it contains the root (C), perfect 5th (G), major 2nd (D), perfect 4th (F), major 7th (B), and major 3rd (E). This forms a Cmaj7 chord with added 2nd (D) and 4th (F) – essentially a Cmaj7(add9, add11) with a suspended character. This dense voicing means open strumming yields a full, resonant chord with a distinct melancholic yet open quality.

Chordal Exploration

Due to the unique open string relationships, this tuning offers easy access to:

• A strong C5 power chord on the lowest two strings (C-G).
• Open strings C-G-D, which provides a versatile drone or foundation.
• The full open tuning C-G-D-F-B-E itself acts as a complex and atmospheric chord.
• Chords related to C major, C minor, F major, G major, and their extended voicings will take on new and interesting shapes, often requiring fewer fingers than in standard tuning to achieve rich harmonies. Explore single-finger barres or partial chords on the upper strings over the resonant bass notes for unique sounds.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Beck" tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C. (Note: This is a significant drop. If this feels too loose or buzzes, a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal performance as tuning down 4 or more semitones can affect playability.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (D).
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (B).
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (E).