Tuning Analysis: Can't Get Every Girl By Crying

This unique tuning, affectionately named "Can't Get Every Girl By Crying," was first encountered at a house show in Davis, CA, and appears to be a rare find. It offers a distinctive sonic palette, moving away from conventional guitar tunings to unlock new harmonic possibilities.

Technical Overview

The open strings are tuned to C2-G2-E3-G3-B3-C4 (from low to high). This arrangement immediately forms a rich C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B), with the root (C) and fifth (G) reinforced across multiple octaves. The specific intervals create a wide, resonant sound:

• 6th String (C2): The foundational root, providing a deep, resonant bass.
• 5th String (G2): A perfect fifth above the low C, adding harmonic support.
• 4th String (E3): The major third of C, giving the tuning its major quality.
• 3rd String (G3): Another perfect fifth, an octave above the second string's G, adding density.
• 2nd String (B3): The major seventh of C, crucial for the distinct Cmaj7 sound.
• 1st String (C4): The root an octave above the low C, completing the chord and providing a bright top end.

The open tuning itself is a complete Cmaj7 chord, making it incredibly easy to create lush, full-bodied harmonies with minimal effort. Strumming all open strings yields a powerful and resonant C Major 7 chord, perfect for evocative arpeggios or sustained pads.

Playing Potential & Accessibility

This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for fingerstyle playing, allowing the notes of the Cmaj7 to ring out beautifully. The strong C-G drone potential makes it ideal for ambient or cinematic soundscapes. Due to the inherent Cmaj7 structure, harmonizing in the key of C Major becomes very intuitive.

The open strings form a complete Cmaj7 chord, offering an immediate rich foundation. Moving this shape up the neck with a barre will consistently produce major 7th chords:

• 1st Fret Barre: Creates a C# Major 7 chord.
• 2nd Fret Barre: Creates a D Major 7 chord.
• ...and so on, providing an easy way to access a variety of major 7th chords.

Beyond simple barres, the intervallic relationships across the strings invite exploration of sus chords, extensions, and unique melodic lines. The repetition of C and G across octaves provides a robust harmonic anchor, making it forgiving for improvisation and chord-melody arrangements. This tuning offers a fresh perspective for composers and players looking to break free from standard tuning conventions.

How to Tune Your Guitar to "Can't Get Every Girl By Crying"

To achieve the "Can't Get Every Girl By Crying" tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the significant changes on the 6th and 1st strings; careful tuning and potentially a change in string gauge are advised for these.

String Movement Guide:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2.
  (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. If this feels too slack or causes intonation issues, consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4.
  (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. If this feels too slack or causes intonation issues, consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.)

Always tune carefully and check your intonation after significant tuning changes. Enjoy exploring the unique sounds of this tuning!