The C Open Variant (Cadd9) tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument, ideal for a rich, full sound. This unique tuning, C-G-D-G-C-D, leverages a strong C-G power chord foundation, augmented by the strategic placement of D notes. It's a versatile tuning that provides a thick, almost orchestral texture when strummed open.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes are C2-G2-D3-G3-C4-D4. When all strings are played open, the resulting harmony is a lush Cadd9 chord (C-G-D). The repeating G (strings 5 & 3) and C (strings 6 & 2) create a powerful drone, while the D notes on strings 4 and 1 add a distinctive, suspended, or Lydian quality to the overall sound, moving beyond a simple major chord.

The interval structure across the strings includes perfect fifths (C2-G2, G2-D3), perfect fourths (D3-G3, G3-C4), and a major second (C4-D4). This combination makes it exceptionally well-suited for:

• Droning and Riffing: The repeated C and G notes, combined with the open Cadd9, make it excellent for creating powerful, resonant riffs and open-string drones.
• Barre Chords: Simple barre chords across any fret will instantly yield a transposed Cadd9 chord. For instance, barring at the 5th fret will produce an Fadd9 chord.
• Modal Explorations: The addition of the D notes (the 9th of C) opens up possibilities for suspended harmonies and Lydian-flavored scales, especially when experimenting with partial chords and arpeggios.

String 6 (Low E string): Tuned down to C2

String 5 (A string): Tuned down to G2

String 4 (D string): Remains D3

String 3 (G string): Remains G3

String 2 (B string): Tuned up to C4

String 1 (High E string): Tuned down to D4