This tuning, which we've named 'Melancholy C# Open Drone', is a fascinating and highly experimental setup for the guitar. Described by its original creator as being 'for emo stuff idk', it certainly delivers a mood-rich, dark, and potentially heavy sonic landscape. The unconventional intervals, especially in the lower register, suggest a sound that is both dissonant and deeply resonant, perfect for creating dense soundscapes, powerful riffs, and emotionally charged passages.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: The tuning presents the notes C3#, C3, C4#, F4#, G4#, A4# from low to high (string 6 to string 1).
• Root and Drone: The strong presence of C# (C3# on string 6, C4# on string 4) clearly establishes C# as a foundational, if not the primary, root. However, the C3 on string 5 creates an immediate, low-end minor second dissonance with the C3# on string 6. This is a hallmark of this tuning, setting up a rich, grinding drone that can be both unsettling and incredibly powerful, ideal for heavy, sustained chords or riffing.
• Implied Chords: While not an immediately 'clean' open major or minor chord, the upper strings (C4#, F4#, G4#, A4#) form a C#sus4(add6) sound (Root, P4, P5, M6). When combined with the low C#3, this creates a full, suspended, and slightly melancholic harmony. If the C3 (string 5) is muted, a strong C# power chord (C# and G#) is easily accessible across strings 6, 4, and 2.
• Dissonance and Harmony: The low C3/C#3 interval provides a thick, resonant tension, while the upper register tends towards suspended and extended harmonies. This balance allows for both aggressive, grinding textures and more nuanced, melancholic arpeggiations.
• Playability: The tuning naturally lends itself to drone-based playing where open strings are frequently used. Barre chords across the neck will yield complex voicings due to the unique intervals. Power chords on the lower strings will be immense, particularly if the C3/C#3 drone is embraced.

Verbal Description

Imagine a vast, open landscape under a stormy, grey sky – that's the sonic territory this tuning explores. The 'Melancholy C# Open Drone' lives up to its name by offering a deep, resonant C# foundation, but with an underlying tension provided by the low C string. It's a tuning designed for atmosphere and impact. When strummed open, you get a dense, almost industrial drone that's perfect for heavy, downtempo riffs or long, sustained chords that hang in the air. The 'emo stuff' descriptor points to its capability for expressing deep emotion, from brooding despair to powerful, cathartic releases. It's a tuning that invites experimentation, pushing the boundaries of conventional harmony to create a unique and memorable sound.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E string): C3#
• String 5 (A string): C3
• String 4 (D string): C4#
• String 3 (G string): F4#
• String 2 (B string): G4#
• String 1 (High E string): A4#

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Melancholy C# Open Drone' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C3#.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A to C3. Take care when tuning up, as this is a significant increase in tension.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D to C4#.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G to F4#.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B to G4#.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones from E to A4#. This is a substantial drop in pitch. For optimal tone and string longevity, particularly with such a large down-tuning, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended for this string.