This unique tuning, known as C#AC#GBE, is famously used for Lil Lotus' song "Never Get Away." It takes a creative approach to standard tuning, primarily by lowering the bass strings, while keeping the higher strings familiar, offering a blend of deep resonance and melodic versatility.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning involves dropping the low E string significantly to a C#, giving your lowest notes a powerful, resonant, and darker character. The D string is also slightly lowered to C#, creating a striking unison or octave with the 6th string. The middle and high strings (A, G, B, E) remain in standard pitch, preserving familiar chord shapes and scales in the higher register while opening up new possibilities on the lower end. This configuration is excellent for heavy riffs, atmospheric arpeggios, and allows for a rich, full sound, particularly useful in genres like emo, pop-punk, or alternative rock.

Technical Analysis

• Root and Octave Power: The most prominent feature is the double C# on the 6th and 4th strings (C#3 and C#4). This provides a very strong, resonant foundation for any C#-based chords or riffs, allowing for powerful open C# power chords.
• Open Chords & Voicings:
  • The open strings are C# A C# G B E. Notice the presence of A (string 5), C# (strings 6 & 4), and E (string 1). These notes form an A Major triad. Strumming the open 5th, 4th, and 1st strings will yield a clear A Major.
  • Considering all open strings (C# A C# G B E), this creates a rich, complex sound. It includes the notes of an A Major triad (A, C#, E) with additional G (b7 relative to A) and B (9th relative to A). This suggests an Amaj9/A13 sound or A7sus2, depending on the emphasis, with a low C# providing a strong root or third.
  • The relationship between the low C# (6th string) and the A (5th string) is a minor third, and the C# (4th string) and G (3rd string) is a diminished fifth. This combination provides a unique tension and release, perfect for dynamic songwriting.
• Fingerboard Accessibility: Chords and melodic lines on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th strings will largely retain their standard fingering, making it easier to adapt to for players familiar with E Standard. The changes primarily affect the lowest two strings, encouraging the use of open string drones and unique power chord shapes.
• String Tension Considerations: Only the 6th string experiences a significant drop (3 semitones). While this is generally manageable with standard gauge strings, players might notice a slight decrease in tension on the low C#. A slightly heavier gauge for the lowest string could be considered for optimal feel, though it's not strictly necessary as the drop does not exceed the recommended threshold for string gauge change (4 semitones).

How to Tune to C#AC#GBE

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for E4.