Verbal Analysis: The Havens' Mystic C#

Dive into a world of deep resonance and expansive soundscapes with this unique tuning, affectionately dubbed a 'unicorn and gift to the world' by its creator, 'graeme havens'. This tuning offers a profoundly low and dark sonic palette. The dominant C# drone, reinforced by multiple octaves and perfect fifths, creates a powerful, almost orchestral foundation. The distinct D# on the third string adds a captivating suspended quality, preventing the tuning from settling into a simple major or minor feel. This gives the sound an enigmatic, almost mystical character, perfect for atmospheric pieces, rhythmic driving riffs, or experimental exploration where a standard tuning just won't cut it.

Playability-wise, the prevalence of C# and G# across most strings makes for intuitive power chord shapes and open voicings that resonate beautifully. However, the D# on the third string is the key to this tuning's unique flavor – it will challenge players to either embrace its suspended nature or navigate around it for more conventional chordal structures. The creator wisely suggests using medium gauge acoustic strings; this is crucial advice, as several strings are significantly down-tuned, particularly the G, B, and high E strings, ensuring optimal tension and intonation without excessive floppiness or fret buzz.

Technical Analysis: C# G# C# D# G# C#

This tuning is built around a low C#, with the notes arranged as C#3 G#3 C#4 D#4 G#4 C#5. Let's break down its intervals relative to the root C#:

• String 6 (Low E): C#3 (Root)
• String 5 (A): G#3 (Perfect 5th)
• String 4 (D): C#4 (Octave)
• String 3 (G): D#4 (Major 2nd / Minor 9th)
• String 2 (B): G#4 (Octave + Perfect 5th)
• String 1 (High E): C#5 (Double Octave)

When strummed open, this tuning naturally produces a rich C#sus2 power chord (C# D# G#), with the root and fifth heavily reinforced across multiple octaves. This makes barring across all strings at any fret an effective way to generate various suspended 2nd chords (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret yields a D#sus2). To achieve a full C# Major or C# Minor triad, specific fingerings would be required to adjust the D# note on the third string. The considerable drop in pitch for multiple strings means that maintaining proper string tension is vital. String 3 drops by 4 semitones, and strings 6, 2, and 1 each drop by 3 semitones. These are substantial changes, making the recommendation for medium gauge strings not just good advice, but essential for playability and avoiding issues like fret buzz and poor intonation. Using a heavier gauge string for these significantly downtuned strings would further enhance stability and tone.

Final Tuning Notes:

String 6: C#3
String 5: G#3
String 4: C#4
String 3: D#4
String 2: G#4
String 1: C#5

How to Tune:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. (Caution: A drop of 4 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.