Verbal Description

Discover the unique and atmospheric sound of this tuning, inspired by the distinctive style of Mac DeMarco's "Ode to Viceroy." This isn't your everyday major or minor open tuning; it plunges you into a world of rich, slightly dissonant, and ethereal harmonies. The open strings resonate with a complex augmented quality, highlighted by a surprising perfect fourth, creating a sound that is both unsettling and beautiful. It's a tuning ripe for experimentation, perfect for crafting shimmering arpeggios, atmospheric soundscapes, and distinctive melodic lines that stand out. Imagine the sonic tapestry you can weave, from hazy, dream-like sequences to bright, yet melancholic, passages.

When played open, the tuning produces a striking chord comprised of C, G#, and F notes. While not a conventional major or minor triad, it embodies a C augmented sound with a distinct suspended-like tension due to the F. Its structure allows for easy access to variations of this augmented sound; simply barring across different frets will shift the entire chord up or down, maintaining its unique interval relationships. For example, barring at the first fret will produce a C# augmented quality. The repeating C and G# notes across the lower strings offer a fantastic drone foundation, inviting fingerstyle players to explore intricate patterns over a sustained, resonant bass.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets your guitar's open strings to C2-G#3-C3-G#4-C4-F4, from the thickest (String 6) to the thinnest (String 1). The core notes present in this open voicing are C, G#, and F. Relative to the lowest C (C2), the intervals are as follows:

• String 6 (C2): Root (P1)
• String 5 (G#3): Augmented 5th (A5)
• String 4 (C3): Octave (P8)
• String 3 (G#4): Augmented 5th + Octave (A5+P8)
• String 2 (C4): Double Octave (P8+P8)
• String 1 (F4): Perfect 4th + Double Octave (P4+P8+P8)

The tuning prominently features stacked C and G# notes, creating a powerful and resonant augmented sound across multiple octaves. The introduction of F4 on the first string adds a distinctive perfect fourth interval above C, introducing a harmonic tension that defines the tuning's unique character. This asymmetrical arrangement moves beyond conventional open tunings, offering a complex palette for adventurous musicians.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. Remember to tune slowly and listen closely to avoid over-tensioning or breaking strings. For significant changes, especially down-tuning, a different string gauge might be advisable for optimal playability and string longevity.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C2. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider using a heavier gauge string for best results, as changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) can affect string tension and guitar setup.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 1 semitones from A to G#3.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3.
• String 3 (G String): Tune up 1 semitones from G to G#4.
• String 2 (B String): Tune up 1 semitones from B to C4.
• String 1 (High e String): Tune up 1 semitones from E to F4.

String 6 (Lowest): Tuned to C2 (a deep, resonant bass note).

String 5: Tuned to G#3 (an augmented fifth above the low C).

String 4: Tuned to C3 (an octave above the lowest C, providing harmonic depth).

String 3: Tuned to G#4 (an augmented fifth above the C3, adding to the augmented character).

String 2: Tuned to C4 (an octave above C3, creating a strong melodic center).

String 1 (Highest): Tuned to F4 (a perfect fourth above C4, introducing a unique tension and color).