Tuning Overview: Open G/C minor add4 (Moz)

This intriguing tuning, named "Open G/C minor add4 (Moz)", sculpts a rich and complex harmonic landscape. While the name might suggest an Open G base with elements of C minor and an added 4th, the actual open string notes present a unique and sophisticated sonic character. It does not align with a standard Open G tuning, nor does it strictly feature a typical C minor triad with a perfect 4th. Instead, it offers a deep, resonant voicing of a C minor 7th chord with an added 9th, notably omitting the minor third (Eb).

Verbal Analysis:

When strummed open, this tuning immediately unveils a dark, yet expansive and open character. The collective notes of C, G, D, G, A# (Bb), and D form a powerful C minor 7th sound with a prominent 9th (D). The deliberate absence of the minor third (Eb) lends the chord a suspended or open quality, preventing it from sounding overtly conventional. This creates an incredibly versatile sonic palette, well-suited for genres like blues, jazz, contemporary classical, or even cinematic soundscapes, where sophisticated harmonies and a sense of depth are desired. The duplication of G and D notes across different strings provides natural octaves and perfect fifths, contributing to a full, ringing sustain that makes it excellent for drone-based music or impactful open chord voicings.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond typical chord shapes. Simple barres or two-finger placements will yield a surprising array of minor 7th and 9th chords, allowing for fluid harmonic transitions. It's a tuning that invites players to delve into more ethereal, melancholic, or jazz-inflected territories.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned as follows, from low to high: C2-G2-D3-G3-A#4 (Bb4)-D4. Analyzing these notes reveals the following harmonic structure:

• Root: C (6th string)
• Perfect Fifth: G (5th and 3rd strings)
• Major Second/Ninth: D (4th and 1st strings)
• Minor Seventh: A# / Bb (2nd string)

This arrangement essentially forms a C minor 7th chord (C-G-Bb) with an added 9th (D), but significantly omits the minor third (Eb). This creates a 'Cm7(no3)/9' or 'C Dorian' open voicing, offering a sophisticated and slightly ambiguous sound. The doubled Gs and Ds provide a rich harmonic foundation and reinforce the fifth and ninth, respectively. The consistent interval relationships between strings allow for simple barres or minimal finger movements to produce complex, extended chords with ease, making this a powerful tuning for harmonic and melodic improvisation.

How to Tune:

Please exercise caution, especially with the 6th string, as it involves a significant downward adjustment. While tuning down 4 semitones is at the typical limit for standard gauge strings without needing a replacement, for optimal performance and string longevity, consider consulting a luthier or using a heavier gauge string set if you plan to maintain this tuning for extended periods, particularly for the 6th string.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a substantial drop; monitor string tension carefully.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitones to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: A4#
• 1st String: D4