The C# Melancholy tuning, originally referred to as 'scm', is a deeply resonant and atmospheric guitar tuning designed to evoke a unique and melancholic sound. Rooted in C#, this tuning creates a dense sonic landscape ripe with tension and emotion. It's particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, drone music, or introspective fingerstyle compositions, offering a distinctive voice that stands apart from standard tunings.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to C#3, F2, C3, D#4, G#4, C4. At its core, the tuning prominently features a C# minor triad (C#, F, G#), providing a familiar melancholic foundation. However, the true character of this tuning emerges from the additional notes: a D#4 (minor 9th above C#) and crucially, two C natural notes (C3 and C4). The presence of C natural a semitone below the C# root (C#3) creates a compelling, almost dissonant cluster, giving the tuning its signature 'melancholy' tension rather than a straightforward minor sound. The low F2 also adds a rich, deep resonance, contributing to the tuning's overall fullness and depth.

When played open, the tuning immediately presents a C# minor quality, but with an intriguing, unresolved edge due to the C and D# notes. This open chord is perfect for sustained drones or arpeggiated figures. The inherent tension means that even simple chord shapes can yield complex harmonic results. Barring across frets will naturally produce parallel minor chords with the added color provided by the C and D# intervals. Experimenting with fretting the C strings (string 4 and 1) to C# will resolve some of the tension, reinforcing the root and offering pathways to more conventional C# minor voicings, while still retaining the deep character of the low F2 and C#3.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string if you frequently use this tuning.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string if you frequently use this tuning.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string if you frequently use this tuning.

• String 6: C#3
• String 5: F2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: D#4
• String 2: G#4
• String 1: C4