Verbal and Technical Analysis

This is a custom guitar tuning, noted for its association with Coldplay's song "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face." It's a deeply lowered tuning across all strings, creating a dark, resonant sonic palette.

Technically, the tuning is C#3-F#3-B2-E3-A3-C5#. A notable characteristic is that the first five strings (C#3, F#3, B2, E3, A3) are all tuned in perfect fourth intervals, much like a standard guitar but shifted down significantly. This consistent interval structure makes chord shapes and scales highly intuitive and easily transferable across the lower part of the fretboard. The highest string then breaks this pattern, tuning to C5#, forming a major third interval with the second string (A3). This unique combination of a deep, consistent low end and a surprisingly high top note provides an exceptionally wide tonal range and opens up interesting harmonic possibilities.

Open String Chords & Voicings

The open strings (C# F# B E A C#) do not form a simple major or minor triad, resulting in an ambiguous and open-ended sound. The collection of notes (C#, E, F#, A, B) suggests elements of a C# minor scale, specifically C# minor pentatonic (C# E F# G# B, with G# absent) and a C# minor 7th chord (C# E G# B, again with G# absent but with F# present). However, the A (second string), C# (first string), and E (third string) naturally form an A major triad when played together, offering a brighter contrast to the otherwise darker, lower tones of the tuning.

The arrangement of perfect fourths across the lower five strings (C# F# B E A) is highly advantageous for playing power chords and rooted voicings. A single finger barred across these strings will effortlessly yield powerful, consistent intervals, ideal for heavy, sustained riffs or driving rhythm parts. The high C# then serves to extend melodic lines or provide a bright, octave-doubled counterpoint to the lowest C#.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Coldplay Smile Tuning, you will be tuning down most of your strings from standard EADGBe tuning. While the semitone movements are generally within safe limits for standard strings, extreme drops or raises (exceeding 4 semitones) can sometimes benefit from a different string gauge for optimal tension and intonation. Always tune carefully and check your string's stability.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones.