About the Tuning

This distinctive tuning, famously used by Ben Howard in his song "Black Flies," creates a rich, atmospheric soundscape. Often described as melancholic yet expansive, it lends itself beautifully to intricate fingerpicking and resonant open string voicings. The unusual intervals and repeated notes contribute to its unique character, providing a deep foundation with bright, shimmering higher notes.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are C2, G#3 (Ab3), D#4 (Eb4), A#4 (Bb4), A#4 (Bb4), D#5 (Eb5). When played open, the tuning forms a complex chord, largely based around a C minor tonality with additional extensions. The sequence of notes C - Ab - Eb - Bb - Bb - Eb suggests a C minor 7 chord (C, Eb, G, Bb) with an added minor 6th (Ab). The presence of two A# (Bb) strings and two D# (Eb) strings creates a strong harmonic resonance and makes it easier to achieve drone-like effects. This tuning offers a unique harmonic palette, allowing for voicings that are not readily available in standard tuning. The low C provides a powerful root, while the higher Eb and Bb notes contribute to a modal, open sound.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• Full Open Strum: Strumming all strings open yields a C minor 7b6 sound (C - Ab - Eb - Bb - Bb - Eb). This chord has a brooding, reflective quality, perfect for atmospheric compositions.
• C Minor Voicings: With the low C as the root, minor chord shapes become very accessible. Simply fretting certain strings can quickly resolve into clear C minor or C minor 7 voicings.
• Eb Major/Minor: The presence of Eb and Bb notes makes Eb major (Eb G Bb) or Eb minor (Eb Gb Bb) chords easily achievable with minimal fretting, especially on the higher strings.
• Drone Potential: The repeated A# (Bb) and D# (Eb) notes are excellent for creating sustained drones and pedal tones, adding depth and texture to melodic lines.
• Unique Melodies: The non-standard intervals between strings encourage fresh melodic and arpeggiated patterns, moving away from typical major/minor scale shapes.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Black Flies Open C Minor 7" tuning, you will need to adjust your strings as follows from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the significant changes, especially on the 6th and 3rd strings. It is generally advised that for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge string may be beneficial to ensure string longevity and proper tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 3 semitones to A#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Exercise caution when tuning up strings significantly (like String 3, up 3 semitones) as this increases tension. Always ensure your guitar can handle the increased stress, especially when tuning String 6 down 4 semitones, as this reduces tension significantly and may benefit from a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.

String 6: C2 (Lowest string) - Tuned down 4 semitones from standard E to a deep C. This provides a resonant, powerful bass foundation for the tuning.

String 5: G#3 - Tuned down 1 semitone from standard A, this G# (Ab) adds a melancholic minor sixth interval to the root C, contributing to the tuning's unique harmonic character.

String 4: D#4 - Tuned up 1 semitone from standard D, this D# (Eb) establishes the minor third of the C root, reinforcing the minor tonality.

String 3: A#4 - Tuned up 3 semitones from standard G, this A# (Bb) functions as the minor seventh of the C root, giving the tuning a dominant or extended harmonic feel. It's the first of two repeated notes.

String 2: A#4 - Tuned down 1 semitone from standard B, this A# (Bb) creates a unison with the 3rd string, ideal for drone effects, slides, and creating rich, layered voicings.

String 1: D#5 (Highest string) - Tuned down 1 semitone from standard E, this D# (Eb) is an octave higher than the 4th string. It provides a bright, resonant top end, reiterating the minor third and completing the upper harmony.