Description of C Augmented Landscape Tuning

Verbal Analysis

The 'C Augmented Landscape' tuning presents a highly unique and harmonically rich soundscape, departing significantly from standard guitar tuning. It establishes a deep, resonant C as its foundation on the lowest string, immediately setting a contemplative or expansive mood. The tuning features a striking C Augmented Major 7th chord (C, E, G#, B) across several open strings, providing a sense of unresolved tension and forward motion that is characteristic of augmented harmonies.

However, the inclusion of an F note on the 4th string adds a captivating layer of dissonance, creating a complex, almost cluster-like voicing when all strings are strummed open. This blend of augmented harmony with a strong perfect fourth (F against C) evokes a sound suitable for experimental music, ambient soundscapes, modern jazz, or cinematic scoring where unusual harmonic colours are desired. It can inspire modal playing over the open strings, allowing for intricate melodic lines that resolve or hover over its distinct intervals. The wide intervals between some adjacent strings also encourage drone-like textures and unique fingerings for chord shapes not typically found in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

This is a non-standard 'Guitar' tuning featuring the following open string notes from low to high: C2, G#3, F3, C3, E4, B4. Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G#3): A very wide interval of a compound Augmented 5th (C2 to G#2 is Aug 5th, then up an octave to G#3). This creates a vast, open sound.
• String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (F3): A descending Minor 3rd. This inversion of typical string intervals contributes to the tuning's unique voicing.
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (C3): A descending Perfect 4th, another unconventional interval for adjacent strings, adding to the compact yet dissonant lower-mid range.
• String 3 (C3) to String 2 (E4): A compound Major 3rd (C3 to E3 is Maj 3rd, then up an octave to E4). Another significant jump.
• String 2 (E4) to String 1 (B4): A Perfect 4th, offering a familiar, stable interval on the higher strings.

When all strings are played open, the resulting chord is C-G#-F-C-E-B. This can be analyzed as a C Major 7th Augmented 5th chord (C, E, G#, B) with an added F, creating a Cmaj7(#5, add4) or Cmaj7(#5, #11) voicing. This dense harmonic cluster is rich in tension and possibilities for resolution or further harmonic exploration.

Due to the unique arrangement of intervals, chords can be formed with minimal fretting. For example, barring across the C3 (string 3) and F3 (string 4) creates interesting inversions. The E4 to B4 perfect 4th on the top strings is reminiscent of "all fourths" tunings, making it easier to finger certain voicings in the upper register.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'C Augmented Landscape' tuning from standard EADGBE tuning, follow these steps for each string. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes, and consider using appropriate string gauges for optimal tension and guitar health.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones (from E2 to C2). (Tuning down 4 semitones is significant; consider a heavier gauge string if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone (from A2 to G#2). (Note: The target G#3 in the tuning definition suggests an octave jump from A2, but based strictly on string movement, this is down 1 semitone to G#2. For the tuning analysis above, G#3 has been used as per the 'tuning_notes'.)
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones (from D3 to F3).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones (from G3 to C3). (Tuning down 7 semitones is a very large drop; a different gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 5 semitones (from B3 to E4). (Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial increase; a different gauge string is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and neck damage.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 7 semitones (from E4 to B4). (Tuning up 7 semitones is a very large increase; a different gauge string is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and neck damage.)

Important Note on String Gauges: For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider using strings of a different gauge. Tuning too far up can cause strings to snap and put excessive tension on your guitar neck. Tuning too far down can result in a floppy, muddy sound and poor intonation.

String 6 (low E equivalent): C2

String 5 (A equivalent): G#3

String 4 (D equivalent): F3

String 3 (G equivalent): C3

String 2 (B equivalent): E4

String 1 (high E equivalent): B4