Verbal Analysis:

The C-G Deep Drop Major tuning offers a profoundly deep and resonant sound, ideal for genres ranging from heavy metal and alternative rock to atmospheric soundscapes. The two lowest strings, tuned to C and G, provide an incredibly solid and rumbling foundation, creating a powerful, almost orchestral bass response. This tuning has a distinct open and ringing quality, with the upper strings hinting at a bright G major tonality, contrasting beautifully with the dark, heavy bass. It feels expansive and full, perfect for open chord voicings and drone-like playing, providing a rich sonic canvas for creative expression.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the guitar to C2-G2-D3-F4#-G3-D4 (low to high). Compared to standard EADGBE, this tuning features significant drops:

• String 6 (low E) is dropped a major third to C2.
• String 5 (A) is dropped a whole step to G2.
• String 4 (D) remains at D3.
• String 3 (G) is targeted at F4#. This is an interesting instruction, as tuning standard G3 down 1 semitone would result in F#3, not F#4. The specified movement is a single semitone down pitch-class wise, but the target note indicates a significant octave jump.
• String 2 (B) is dropped a major third to G3.
• String 1 (high E) is dropped a whole step to D4.

The resulting open string intervals from the lowest C are: Root (C), Perfect 5th (G), Perfect 4th/11th from C (D), Augmented 4th/Tritone from C (F# - if we consider it F#3, if F#4 then an augmented 11th), Perfect 5th/12th from C (G), Perfect 2nd/9th from C (D). The arrangement of the D3-F4#-G3-D4 on the middle to high strings forms a G major chord (D is the 5th, F# is the major 3rd, G is the root, D is the 5th again), giving this tuning its 'Major' character on the higher end, despite the low C base.

Open Chords & Reachable Shapes:

The open tuning itself strongly suggests a G major tonality over a C pedal note. The upper four strings (D-F#-G-D) form an open G major chord, which can be easily strummed for a bright, full sound. The deep C-G bass adds immense power to any chord rooted in C or G. Simple barre chords will easily yield powerful G major or G minor variations by barring across the upper strings. Moving a single finger on the 3rd or 4th string allows for quick shifts between major and minor qualities. The unique F# on the third string opens up interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for suspensions and extended chords that might be challenging in standard tuning. Power chords on the lower strings will be incredibly robust, with the C2-G2 providing a thick, unwavering foundation.

Here are the target notes for each string:

• String 6: C2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: G3
• String 1: D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the C-G Deep Drop Major tuning from standard EADGBE:

• String 6 (Low E2): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. This is a significant drop; for optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 5 (A2): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• String 3 (G3): Tune down 1 semitone from G3 to F#4.
• String 2 (B3): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. This is a significant drop; for optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 1 (High E4): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.