CGDGCFAD Guitar Tuner

CGDGCFAD CGDGCFAD - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - CGDGCFAD

8 Sting Drop G With A Low C
Used for metalcore, djent, deathcore ect

This is an extreme 8-string guitar tuning, specifically an 8 String Drop G with an incredibly low C, designed for the most brutal and heavy genres like metalcore, djent, and deathcore. The tuning name itself, CGDGCFAD, hints at its depth and unique intervals.

Verbal Analysis

The dominant characteristic of this tuning is its massive low-end extension, anchored by the C1 on the 8th string. This provides an earth-shaking rumble, perfect for creating crushing, atmospheric riffs and bone-rattling breakdowns. The overall feel is incredibly dark, aggressive, and highly resonant, making it ideal for players who want to explore the lowest sonic registers of their instrument. The 'Drop G' aspect (referring to the G on the 7th string and the subsequent G on the 5th) maintains some familiarity for players accustomed to drop tunings, but the addition of the super-low C pushes it into truly extreme territory.

Technical Analysis & Chords

The tuning notes are as follows, from lowest to highest string: C1, G1, D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4.

String 8 (C1) to String 7 (G1): A perfect fifth interval (7 semitones). This immediately establishes a powerful C5 (C-G) on the lowest two strings.
String 7 (G1) to String 6 (D2): A perfect fifth interval (7 semitones).
String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): A perfect fourth interval (5 semitones).

These lowest strings (C1-G1-D2-G2) form a formidable foundation. You can easily achieve:

An open C5 Power Chord by strumming strings 8, 7, and 4 (C1-G1-C3).
An open G5 Power Chord using strings 7, 6, and 5 (G1-D2-G2).

Moving to the higher strings:

String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): A perfect fourth interval (5 semitones).
String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): A perfect fourth interval (5 semitones).
String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): A major third interval (4 semitones). This interval provides a slightly brighter, more complex harmonic flavor compared to the predominant fourths and fifths.
String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): A perfect fourth interval (5 semitones).

The abundance of perfect fourths and fifths throughout the tuning makes it exceptionally conducive to playing heavy, multi-string power chords and chugging riffs. The low C and G notes ensure maximum impact, while the higher strings, though also detuned, offer enough clarity for lead work or higher-register chord voicings that still benefit from the overall dark character. The F3-A3 major third provides an opportunity for interesting dissonances or resolutions, depending on how it's utilized.

Tuning Notes (Lowest to Highest String)

These are the target notes for each string:

String 8: C1
String 7: G1
String 6: D2
String 5: G2
String 4: C3
String 3: F3
String 2: A3
String 1: D4

How to Tune

To achieve the CGDGCFAD tuning, please follow these instructions for each string. The movements specify how many semitones to tune up or down from their original position (e.g., standard 8-string tuning F# B E A D G B E, though the instructions are directly given in semitone changes).

Important Note: Significant tuning changes (especially exceeding 4 semitones up or down) can put undue stress on your guitar neck and strings. For changes greater than 4 semitones, it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and ensure the longevity of your instrument. Always tune slowly and carefully.