C#A#F#C#G#C# Cigar Box Guitar Tuner

C#A#F#C#G#C# | D♭B♭G♭D♭A♭D♭ Not A Lot, Just Forever Tuning - Cigar Box Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Not A Lot, Just Forever Tuning

Tuning for the original key of Not a lot, Just Forever by: Adrienne Lenker.

Youtube Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zONOQMaYGI0

Tuning Analysis: Not a lot, Just Forever tuning

This unique tuning, aptly named "Not a lot, Just Forever tuning," is designed for the original key of Adrienne Lenker's song of the same title. It transforms a standard 6-string instrument, potentially a Cigar Box Guitar as indicated, into a highly resonant and somewhat dissonant soundscape centered around C#. You can find a reference video for this song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zONOQMaYGI0.

Verbal Analysis

The open tuning presents a striking and unconventional harmonic landscape. The lowest string anchors the tuning firmly to C#, which is then echoed powerfully on the third and first strings, creating a strong sense of this root note across octaves. The most notable feature is the re-entrant nature between the fifth and fourth strings: the fifth string is tuned to A#3, while the fourth string is significantly lower at F#3. This inversion radically alters traditional fingerboard logic, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities that move beyond standard chord voicings. The top three strings (C#4, G#4, C#5) form a clear C# power chord, which will resonate beautifully and be readily accessible for open, ringing sounds.

The overall open string voicing C#3 - A#3 - F#3 - C#4 - G#4 - C#5 creates a complex, rich sound. It evokes a feeling of open spaciousness, with hints of C#sus4 and C#add6, suggesting a melancholic or ethereal quality perfect for folk and experimental styles. This tuning encourages exploration of drones, open string melodies, and non-standard chord shapes. Players will find that simple two or three-finger shapes on the upper strings can yield powerful C# major or minor variants depending on the notes chosen, while the lower, re-entrant strings invite creative single-note lines and textured accompaniments.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes from low to high are:

String 6: C#3
String 5: A#3
String 4: F#3
String 3: C#4
String 2: G#4
String 1: C#5

The intervals between strings are as follows:

String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (A#3): Major 6th (9 semitones up)
String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (F#3): Perfect 4th (re-entrant - 5 semitones down)
String 4 (F#3) to String 3 (C#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones up)
String 3 (C#4) to String 2 (G#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones up)
String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C#5): Perfect 4th (5 semitones up)

The open strings form a complex sonority: C#3, A#3, F#3, C#4, G#4, C#5. This can be interpreted as a C#sus4(add6) chord (C#, F#, G#, A#), with additional octave C#s reinforcing the root. The repetition of C# at C3#, C4#, and C5# creates a powerful, fundamental root. The F# and G# complement this, forming a natural C# power chord shape on the higher strings (C#4, G#4, C#5). The inclusion of A#3 provides a unique color, adding a major sixth interval above the root C#. Due to the re-entrant A#3 to F#3, standard chord shapes will need significant adjustment. However, this structure makes open C# power chords extremely easy to achieve, as well as providing strong drone possibilities. The tuning is exceptionally well-suited for fingerstyle playing, allowing for melodic lines that weave through the open string harmony.

Note on String Gauge: Please be aware that String 4 is tuned down 8 semitones and String 3 is tuned down 6 semitones from their implied starting points. Such significant changes may require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string flop or breakage. It's advisable to use heavier gauge strings for these strings to cope with the reduced tension.

Open String Notes (Low to High)

String 6: C#3
String 5: A#3
String 4: F#3
String 3: C#4
String 2: G#4
String 1: C#5

How to Tune Your Instrument

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the "Not a lot, Just Forever tuning." Please be mindful of the significant string tension changes, especially for strings with large movements.

String 6 (Lowest String): Tune to C#3. This requires you to tune down 3 semitones.
String 5: Tune to A#3. This requires you to tune up 1 semitone.
String 4: Tune to F#3. This requires you to tune down 8 semitones. ⚠ Caution: Tuning down 8 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and playability.
String 3: Tune to C#4. This requires you to tune down 6 semitones. ⚠ Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and playability.
String 2: Tune to G#4. This requires you to tune down 3 semitones.
String 1 (Highest String): Tune to C#5. This requires you to tune down 3 semitones.

Remember to tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument. For strings requiring significant drops in pitch (greater than 4 semitones), using a thicker gauge string can help maintain proper tension and tone.