Tuning Overview: Open C Minor

This is a unique custom tuning, described by its creator as a "sad" tuning, crafted by yora. It offers a distinct sound palette that leans towards introspective and melancholic textures. While named "Open C Minor," a direct strum of all open strings doesn't yield a pure C minor chord due to intriguing dissonances, setting it apart from typical open tunings.

Technical Analysis: Open Strings and Harmony

The open strings are tuned to the notes C#3, F2, C3, D#4, G3, C4. Let's break down the harmonic content:

• Core C Minor: The notes C, D# (enharmonically Eb), G, C form a clear C minor triad across strings 4, 3, 2, and 1. This provides the foundational "minor" character the tuning aims for.
• Added F: The 5th string (F2) introduces a perfect fourth relative to C. When played with the C minor triad, this can create a rich, often suspended or modal quality (C minor add4 or Csus4).
• The Dissonant C#: The lowest string (C#3) is the most distinctive element. It creates a semi-tone clash with the C notes on strings 4 and 1, producing a strong, often dark or unsettling tension. This interval (minor second) is a hallmark of many blues, jazz, and modern classical voicings, suggesting a sophisticated harmonic landscape.

When strummed open, the full chord (C#, F, C, Eb, G, C) results in a complex, dissonant voicing that can evoke feelings of sorrow, mystery, or tension, aligning with the creator's "sad" description. It is far from a typical major or minor open chord, demanding a thoughtful approach from the player to harness its unique character.

Chordal Opportunities and Playing Style

• C Minor Voicings: By selectively muting or avoiding the 6th string (C#), traditional C minor chord shapes and arpeggios become readily accessible across the higher strings, offering a solid minor foundation.
• Rich Suspensions: The F on the 5th string facilitates easy access to Csus4-like voicings, adding a yearning quality that can be quite expressive.
• Exploiting Dissonance: The C# on the 6th string can be used for dramatic effect, either as a passing tone, a drone, or to create powerful, crunching chords. This suggests suitability for genres like doom metal, blues, or experimental music where harmonic tension is desired.
• Barre Chords: Barre chords will yield complex, often dissonant results due to the C# to C interval. Players should experiment to find pleasing voicings, perhaps by intentionally omitting the 6th string from a barre, or embracing the tension for a unique, edgy sound.

String Tension Considerations

All strings in this tuning are significantly lowered from standard EADGBe, ranging from 2 to 4 semitones down. This will result in a noticeably slacker feel and a warmer, perhaps slightly muted tone, which can be ideal for intricate fingerpicking or heavy strumming without fighting excessive string tension. While lowering by 4 semitones is substantial, it generally remains playable with standard gauge strings. However, if you typically use lighter gauges, a slightly heavier set might be considered to maintain comfortable tension and intonation, especially for the strings tuned down 4 semitones.

How to Tune: Open C Minor

This tuning requires significant lowering of all strings from standard EADGBe. Please tune carefully and check your string gauge, especially for the strings tuned down by 4 semitones, as they may feel very loose on lighter gauges.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3 (C sharp).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Consider a heavier gauge if your current strings feel too slack.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4 (D sharp / E flat). Consider a heavier gauge if your current strings feel too slack.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Consider a heavier gauge if your current strings feel too slack.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Consider a heavier gauge if your current strings feel too slack.