Tuning Analysis: Big Thief Cattails Tuning (C-G-D-G-G-A)

Verbal Analysis

The Big Thief Cattails Tuning, also identified by its note sequence C-G-D-G-G-A, presents a beautifully resonant and somewhat melancholic soundscape. This distinctive tuning, notably used in Big Thief's song 'Cattails,' is built around an open and droning quality, emphasizing sustained tones and specific harmonic textures over traditional chord shapes.

A striking feature is the unison G notes on the 2nd and 3rd strings, which create a thick, harmonically dense core. This, combined with the powerful low C, firmly grounds the tuning in a C major tonality, while the high A adds a shimmering, slightly unresolved, and very unique color. It encourages exploration of open string melodies and drone-based riffs.

Open Chords and Accessibility

• Open Strings: Strumming all open strings yields a rich C major chord with an added D (a 9th) and A (a 6th), creating a lush Cmaj6/9 sound (C-G-D-G-G-A). This makes for an immediate, full-bodied resonance perfect for ambient or folk styles.
• C Major and G Major: The strong presence of C and G in the open tuning means that C major and G major voicings are highly accessible. Simple one-finger or two-finger barres can easily create powerful versions of these chords, building on the resonant open strings.
• Drone Potential: The repeated G notes provide an excellent drone. Playing melodies on the higher strings while letting the open Gs ring out will create a captivating, sustained sound.
• Minor Flavors: While inherently major, subtle fretwork can easily introduce minor third or seventh intervals to create C minor or G minor impressions, especially when leveraging the low C and high A.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is a deeply modified open tuning, specifically diverging significantly from a standard Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D). The tuning sequence from the lowest to highest string is C2-G2-D3-G3-G3-A3.

Interval Relationships (from low to high):

• 6th String (C2) to 5th String (G2): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• 5th String (G2) to 4th String (D3): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• 4th String (D3) to 3rd String (G3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• 3rd String (G3) to 2nd String (G3): Unison (0 semitones). This creates a very thick and stable harmonic center.
• 2nd String (G3) to 1st String (A3): A Major 2nd (2 semitones). This small interval on the high strings adds tension and sparkle.

The tuning is strongly rooted in C, with the C-G-D creating a powerful low end, followed by the distinctive G-G-A on the higher strings. The unison Gs provide a unique textural element, while the A on the highest string adds a melodic touch, acting as a natural 6th over a C chord or a 9th over a G chord.

How to Tune Your Guitar to C-G-D-G-G-A

Starting from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, follow these instructions for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Ensure your string gauge can handle the reduced tension without becoming too loose or buzzing.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Ensure your string gauge can handle the reduced tension without becoming too loose or buzzing.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) is a very significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal playability and tone, as the string may become excessively loose.

Always tune carefully and use a reliable tuner. Enjoy exploring the unique sounds of the Big Thief Cattails Tuning!

The 6th string (low E) is tuned down to C2.

The 5th string (A) is tuned down to G2.

The 4th string (D) remains at D3.

The 3rd string (G) remains at G3.

The 2nd string (B) is tuned down to G3.

The 1st string (high E) is tuned down to A3.