Tuning Analysis: Csus2

This resonant and expressive tuning, named Csus2, is famously associated with tracks like those by the Goo Goo Dolls, often contextually described as 'one key down'. It's a tuning that provides a wonderfully full and expansive sound, making it excellent for powerful strumming, intricate arpeggios, and creating a thick, harmonically rich sonic texture. The significant drop in the lower strings establishes a deep, brooding foundation, while the upper strings maintain a bright, open quality.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to C2-G2-D3-G3-D4-D4. When strummed open, these notes form a rich Csus2 chord, which can also be interpreted as a Cadd9 chord (C, G, D are the root, fifth, and ninth/second respectively). This open chord configuration gives the tuning an immediate sense of openness and a distinctive melancholic yet powerful character. The repeated D notes on the top two strings create a shimmering, drone-like quality, allowing for creative melodic lines and easy access to partial chords and harmonies. The G-D-G-D interval structure across the middle four strings (5th through 2nd) offers familiar voicings akin to Open G or Open D tunings, but transposed to C.

Due to its inherent open chord, this tuning facilitates easy access to various chord shapes. Barring across frets will readily yield other suspended 2nd or add9 chords, creating a consistent harmonic texture. Power chords on the low strings will sound particularly heavy and impactful. Chords such as G major, F major, and A minor variations will feel surprisingly intuitive to form, often requiring fewer fingers than in standard tuning, especially when utilizing the open Csus2 as the tonal center. Its deep bass register and open string resonance make it exceptionally suitable for alternative rock anthems, emotive acoustic ballads, and intricate fingerstyle pieces that demand a strong low end and lush harmonic density.

How to Tune

When adjusting your tuning, please proceed with caution. Tuning individual strings up by 3 or 4 semitones, such as the 2nd string in this tuning, requires careful attention to avoid string breakage. For changes exceeding 4 semitones in either direction (up or down), a different string gauge may be advisable to ensure optimal playability and prevent string damage or excessive floppiness.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. This is a significant drop, creating a very deep bass tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4. Exercise caution when tuning up.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Here are the notes for each string in Csus2 tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

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