This unique and resonant tuning, named "Chandelier" by Peter Gergely, transforms the standard guitar into an evocative sound palette. It prominently features a deep, rich low C and several open strings that naturally resolve to a C major tonality, with an intriguing twist.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2 G2 F3 G3 C4 E4. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, this is a significant re-voicing. The lowest string drops a major third to C2, providing a powerful foundation. The 5th string drops a whole step to G2, forming a perfect fifth with the low C. The 4th string, unusually, rises a minor third to F3. The 3rd string remains at G3, while the 2nd string rises a semitone to C4, and the 1st string stays at E4.

The core of this tuning reveals an open C Major chord across strings 6, 5, 2, and 1 (C2-G2-C4-E4). The F3 on the 4th string adds a distinctive characteristic, introducing a Perfect 4th above C, giving the tuning a suspended quality or hinting at a Lydian mode when the C major context is heard. This creates a sound that is both familiar and harmonically complex, suitable for lush arpeggios and intricate melodies.

Open Chords & Possibilities

• Open C Major (C-G-C-E): With strings 6, 5, 2, and 1 open, you immediately have a full C Major triad with a powerful low root.
• Cadd4/Csus4 (C-G-F-G-C-E): The inclusion of the F3 on the 4th string allows for an immediate Cadd4 or Csus4 sound when all strings are strummed, creating a rich, open texture.
• C Major 7: By fretting the F3 on the 4th string down to E3 (1st fret), you can achieve a beautiful Cmaj7 voicing with the open strings.
• Accessible Shapes: Common chord shapes will be significantly altered, but the recurring C and G notes suggest that C major and G major (or dominant G7) related voicings will be relatively accessible with minimal fretting. The open G string also facilitates drone notes.

How to Tune

To achieve the Chandelier tuning, follow these specific adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning:

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop, and we recommend exercising caution and considering a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D to F3): Tune up 3 semitones. Please take care when tuning up this much, as it increases string tension.
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).