Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, prominently featured by David Wilcox for his song "Please Don’t Call," offers a deep and unconventional sonic landscape. It grounds the guitar with a remarkably low C2 on the 6th string, providing a rich, resonant foundation. The overall character leans towards a complex and harmonically adventurous sound, moving far beyond standard voicings. The interplay of dropped and slightly raised strings creates an internal tension and beauty that invites exploration, particularly for fingerstyle players who can leverage its open string sonorities to create expansive and lyrical pieces. The wide tonal range, stretching from the ultra-low C2 to the clear D4 on the high string, opens up a broad canvas for creative expression.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are C2 G2 D4# F3 C4 D4. When analyzed, this tuning contains the notes C, D, D#, F, G. Enharmonically, D# is E-flat. This suggests a harmonic foundation rooted in C minor, specifically a Cm(add9, add11) chord (C, Eb, G, F, D). The deep C2 and G2 on the bass strings establish a strong minor tonality, while the higher strings introduce intriguing extensions. The open strings themselves don't form a simple, immediately recognizable chord, but rather a complex, open voicing that provides a rich canvas for melodic and harmonic development.

Due to its structure, barres across the fretboard will tend to yield variations of minor chords or chords with similar intervallic relationships to the open strings. The prominent minor third (D# / Eb) and perfect fifth (G) in the lower register make C minor and related voicings easily accessible. The interval of a major second between the 2nd (C4) and 1st (D4) strings allows for interesting suspended or open-voiced melodies in the higher register. This tuning is excellent for creating drone-like textures and exploring modal harmonies.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C2. This is a significant drop and for optimal tension and tone, especially for live performance or recording, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to reach G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to reach D4#. Please note: Tuning a standard D string (D3) up 1 semitone typically results in D#3. The target note D4# is an octave higher than this. Tuning a string up by a full octave (12 semitones) is generally not recommended with standard string gauges as it significantly increases tension and risk of breakage. If D4# is indeed the target, a much lighter gauge string may be required, or this might imply the string is already at D4 before the 1 semitone adjustment.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to reach F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to reach C4.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D4.

General Warning Regarding String Gauge: Due to the substantial tuning changes, particularly the extreme drop on String 6 and the potential significant upward adjustment for String 4 (if interpreted as an octave jump), it is highly recommended to consider a custom string gauge set. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevent potential string breakage.

String 6 (Lowest String): Tuned to C2. This provides a very deep and resonant bass foundation, forming the root of the tuning's implied harmony.

String 5: Tuned to G2. A perfect fifth above the 6th string, creating a powerful open root-fifth interval in the bass.

String 4: Tuned to D4# (enharmonically E-flat). Its placement at a significantly higher octave creates a unique melodic voice and contributes the minor third to the C root.

String 3: Tuned to F3. A perfect fourth above the implied C root (considering octaves), adding an open "suspended" quality to the overall harmony.

String 2: Tuned to C4. An octave above the lowest C string, this reinforces the tonic and adds brightness to the tuning.

String 1 (Highest String): Tuned to D4. A major ninth above the lowest C string (across octaves), or a major second above the C4, offering open melodic possibilities and color.