Tuning Analysis: cgdrbd

The tuning named "cgdrbd", as per its original description, is stated as "#tabbies string oh heat make yur dreams go aawy this tuning is just standard notees on a guitar but it is not standars tuning." While it uses notes found in standard tuning, their unique arrangement creates a distinct and non-standard sonic landscape for the guitar.

Verbal Description

This captivating tuning conjures a soundscape of both vibrant harmonies and striking textures. The open strings readily form two strong major triads: a resonant G Major (G2, B2, D3) on strings 5, 2, and 4, and a bright D Major (D3, F#4, D4) on strings 4, 3, and 1. This provides a rich harmonic foundation for open chord voicings and drone-like passages. The low C#3 on the 6th string introduces a sharp, leading tone quality, creating tension and hinting at extended harmonies, perhaps a Dmaj7 or a Gmaj7#11 without the root. The drastic drop of the 2nd string to B2 (a full octave below standard) significantly broadens the guitar's melodic range, enabling unique string spacing and the discovery of extended chord shapes that would be challenging or impossible in conventional tunings. This tuning encourages exploration into modern, open-sounding compositions with a distinct, deep resonance.

Technical Analysis

The "cgdrbd" tuning for a 6-string guitar sets the open notes from lowest to highest as: C#3, G2, D3, F#4, B2, D4. Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (G2): Down a Diminished 5th (or an Augmented 4th up from G2 to C#3), a rather wide interval.
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (D3): Up a Perfect 5th.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (F#4): Up a Major 3rd.
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (B2): Down a Diminished 5th (or an Augmented 4th up from B2 to F#4), another wide and irregular jump.
• String 2 (B2) to String 1 (D4): Up a Minor 3rd.

The open strings contain the notes G, B, C#, D, F#. These notes strongly suggest a D Major or G Lydian harmonic context. The tuning features octave Ds (D3 and D4) providing a strong tonal center. The wide and irregular intervals between strings, particularly the two diminished fifths (or augmented fourths), will necessitate a re-learning of common chord shapes and scale patterns, but offer unique harmonic possibilities and fingerings. The overall range extends from G2 to F#4.

How to Tune Your Guitar to cgdrbd

To achieve the unique "cgdrbd" tuning, please follow these instructions carefully. Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E (from lowest to highest string).

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your D string remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 12 semitones to B2. This is a full octave drop and will significantly reduce string tension. For optimal playability and to maintain proper tone, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for this particular string. Proceed with caution.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note: Tuning a string down by 12 semitones (a full octave) or more than 4 semitones in total from standard can dramatically alter string tension. This may lead to a very floppy string, poor intonation, or even potential neck relief issues if not properly managed. It is highly recommended to use a different (heavier) gauge string for String 2 to accommodate the drastic drop to B2, and for any other string tuned down significantly. Consider consulting a luthier if you are unsure about string gauge changes or setup adjustments.

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned to C#3
• String 5 (A): Tuned to G2
• String 4 (D): Tuned to D3
• String 3 (G): Tuned to F#4
• String 2 (B): Tuned to B2
• String 1 (High E): Tuned to D4