Double Dropped C#: A Low, Broad Canvas

The "Double Dropped C#" tuning plunges your guitar into a rich, resonant sonic landscape, reminiscent of its cousin, Double Dropped D, but shifted to a darker, heavier key. As its name suggests, this tuning takes the outermost strings (the low E and high E) and drops them down significantly, creating a powerful octave spread of C# across the instrument.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to C#3-A2-D3-G3-B3-C#5 (low to high). This setup immediately provides a strong, almost orchestral foundation with the root C# present at both ends of the guitar's range. The middle four strings (A-D-G-B) largely resemble a standard tuning approach (albeit down a whole step from E-A-D-G-B-E), but here it's built upon the lower A. This combination allows for a blend of familiar chord voicings and unique, expansive textures.

Open Chords & Shapes:

• The most striking feature is the octave C# on the 6th and 1st strings, making it incredibly easy to create massive-sounding C# power chords or drone notes by simply strumming these two strings.
• While the full open tuning (C#3-A2-D3-G3-B3-C#5) doesn't form a simple major or minor triad, it contains elements of complex harmony. For instance, the combination of A2-D3-G3-B3-C#5 creates an A major 7th chord with an added 11th (Amaj7(add11)), offering a lush, open voicing.
• Many standard chord shapes for the middle strings (A-D-G-B) can be adapted. For example, a standard D major shape on strings 4-3-2 (D-G-B) would still work. Barring the bottom three strings at the 5th fret (F#-C#-F#) could yield a powerful F#5 chord, or at the 3rd fret (E-B-E) for an E5.
• The interval from the 6th string C# to the 5th string A is a major 6th, not a perfect 5th, so traditional power chord shapes on the bottom two strings will need adjustment. However, barre chords spanning strings 6 through 4 (C#-A-D) can still provide interesting low-end textures, leaning towards a Dsus2/C# feel.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Double Dropped C#

To achieve this tuning, you will primarily be adjusting your 6th (low E) and 1st (high E) strings. The remaining strings stay at their standard pitch relative to each other, but the overall tuning is lower.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3. This is a moderate drop and should be well within the limits of most standard string gauges.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5. Similar to the low E string, this is a moderate drop and safe for typical string gauges.

String 6 (Low E): C#3

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): G3

String 2 (B): B3

String 1 (High E): C#5