Verbal Analysis: The Con (Tegan and Sara)

This unique tuning, known as 'The Con' and famously used by the indie-pop duo Tegan and Sara, offers a rich, resonant, and often melancholic sound palette. It establishes a deep, almost brooding foundation with its low C string, which then contrasts with higher strings that create open, suspended, and even inverted harmonic relationships. The overall effect is both full and ethereal, lending itself beautifully to atmospheric passages, intricate fingerstyle, or powerful, driving rhythm work that distinctly stands out from standard tunings. It's a tuning designed for expressive songwriting, capable of evoking a sense of introspection and expansive emotion, characteristic of Tegan and Sara's distinctive sound.

Technical Analysis: C-G-D-G-D-B

'The Con' tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, presenting a distinctive open sound. The notes from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string are C2, G2, D3, G3, D4, and B3. Let's break down its unique characteristics:

• Deep Foundation: The 6th string is tuned down significantly to C2 (a minor third below E2), providing a powerful, resonant bass note that acts as a strong anchor for the entire tuning.
• Perfect Fifths & Fourths Dominance: The tuning features a strong sequence of perfect fifths and a perfect fourth. From C2 to G2 (P5), G2 to D3 (P5), D3 to G3 (P4), and G3 to D4 (P5). This prevalence of open perfect intervals across the lower and middle registers gives the tuning an inherently open, resonant, and expansive quality, allowing for full, ringing strummed chords.
• Unique Inverted Interval: Perhaps the most striking feature is the relationship between the 2nd and 1st strings: D4 and B3. The 1st string (B3) is tuned *lower* than the 2nd string (D4) by a minor third. This inverted interval creates unexpected harmonic possibilities and allows for unique voicings and drones that are impossible in conventional tunings, contributing significantly to its distinct character.

Open Chords & Harmonic Potential:

When played open, the tuning (C2-G2-D3-G3-D4-B3) does not form a simple major or minor triad directly, but rather presents a complex, suspended sonority. The composite notes available are C, G, D, and B. This can be interpreted in several musically rich ways:

• It largely resembles a G major triad (G-B-D) with a low C in the bass (C/G chord), creating a rich, often melancholic or suspended feel.
• Alternatively, it can be viewed as a C major 9th chord without the third (E), specifically C-G-D-B. This gives it a bright yet open quality, ripe for arpeggiation and melodic exploration.
• The abundance of perfect fifths on the lower strings (C-G, G-D, G-D) means that barre chords or partial chords formed on these strings will often yield powerful, resonant sounds. The inverted interval on the top strings (D4-B3) encourages creative melodic and harmonic exploration, leading to unique suspensions and surprising resolutions in lead lines and chord voicings.

Overall, 'The Con' is a sophisticated and highly expressive tuning that challenges traditional guitar voicings and rewards players with a broad, atmospheric soundscape ideal for songwriting that seeks to push harmonic boundaries.

How to Tune 'The Con' (C-G-D-G-D-B)

To achieve 'The Con' tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones significantly loosens string tension. Consider using a heavier gauge string to maintain optimal playability and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones increases string tension. While generally acceptable, be mindful of potential string breakage, especially if using older strings.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones will drastically reduce string tension. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for best results and to prevent a 'flappy' feel.

Always tune slowly and check the pitch frequently with a reliable tuner. Remember that significant changes in string tension can affect your guitar's intonation and neck relief, so it's a good idea to check those after settling into the new tuning.