Verbal Analysis: The Echoing E

This unique tuning, which we'll call Resonant Open C, is aptly described as having a "large chorused sound." It builds an expansive C Major chord from its open strings, creating a rich, full-bodied resonance. The most distinctive feature is the presence of three 'E' notes across different octaves (E3, E3, E4) and two 'G' notes (G2, G3), which are key to its lush, chorused character. This makes it ideal for genres that benefit from droning strings, expansive chord voicings, and a shimmering, sustained sound, such as folk, ambient, blues, or slide guitar. It's a tuning that invites exploration, offering a broad sonic palette with minimal fretting.

Technical Analysis: C Major with Unison & Octave Resonance

Open Tuning Chord & Intervals

The open strings of this tuning form a complete C Major chord (C-G-E-E-G-E), providing an immediate harmonic foundation. The arrangement of these notes creates intriguing intervals:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): A Perfect Fifth, providing a strong root-fifth foundation.
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (E3): A Major Sixth, adding a bright, open quality.
• String 4 (E3) to String 3 (E3): A rare and powerful Unison. This identical note on adjacent strings is central to the tuning's "chorused" effect, creating a thick, sustained tone.
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (G3): A Minor Third, which, within the C Major context, serves to stack the chord's fifth above the third.
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (E4): A Major Sixth, completing the C Major triad at a higher octave.

The presence of E3, E3, and E4, alongside G2 and G3, means the major third and perfect fifth of the C Major chord are heavily emphasized across different registers, contributing to the rich, multi-layered sound.

Potential Chords & Voicings

This Open C tuning makes a variety of chords incredibly accessible:

• Major Chords: By simply barring across any fret, you instantly achieve a Major chord in that key. For example, barring at the 5th fret yields an F Major, and at the 7th fret, a G Major.
• Drones and Pedals: The unison E3-E3 and the multiple G and E notes make it easy to create captivating drones by holding certain strings open while fretting others.
• Suspended Chords: Experiment with fretting the 4th and 3rd strings a semitone or whole step up/down from E to introduce suspended or altered qualities, while the C and G notes on the lower strings provide a stable base.
• Folk and Blues Shapes: The open C Major provides a friendly canvas for traditional folk and blues voicings, often requiring just one or two fingers to create compelling harmonies.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Resonant Open C tuning, follow these specific string adjustments from standard tuning (EADGBe):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Please take care as this is a significant change in string tension.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Please take care as this is a significant change in string tension.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

For string movements of 3 or 4 semitones, always proceed with caution to avoid excessive string tension or breakage. For movements exceeding 4 semitones in either direction, considering a different gauge string is often advisable, though not strictly necessary for this tuning.

String 6 (Low E): C2

String 5 (A): G2

String 4 (D): E3

String 3 (G): E3

String 2 (B): G3

String 1 (High E): E4