The "Stangl's Ascent C#" tuning, as indicated by the original reference "c#g#c#fcc#", is a powerful and evocative setup for the Guitar, famously associated with Paul Stangl's "we have mountains to climb" ethos from CGF 2013. This tuning creates a landscape rich with deep resonance and intriguing harmonic tension.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to C#3 G#3 C#4 F3 C4 C5# (from low to high). This tuning immediately establishes a commanding presence with its low register. The lowest three strings (C#3, G#3, C#4) form a solid C#5 power chord, providing an incredibly strong and resonant foundation. This makes for very satisfying low-end riffs and driving rhythm parts.

Moving up the fretboard, the intervals become more unique. From the 4th string (C#4) to the 3rd string (F3), there's a diminished 4th interval (or a major 6th if viewed ascending from F to C#). This creates an unexpected harmonic shift. The 3rd string (F3) to the 2nd string (C4) is a perfect 5th, offering a familiar consonant interval. Finally, the 2nd string (C4) to the 1st string (C#5) is an augmented unison (a semitone), which introduces a bright, sharp dissonance right at the top, contributing to the "mountains to climb" feel.

Verbal Description & Open Chords:

Verbally, "Stangl's Ascent C#" evokes a sense of vastness and challenge. The deep, rumbling C# on the bottom strings feels like the base of a formidable peak, while the higher strings, with their unexpected F and the sharp C# on top, suggest the intricate, sometimes dissonant, beauty of high-altitude landscapes. It's a tuning that lends itself well to heavy, atmospheric music, experimental soundscapes, or compositions requiring a distinct, non-standard harmonic palette.

When strummed open, the full chord (C# G# C# F C C#) presents a complex voicing. While not a conventional major or minor chord, its dominant characteristics include the strong C#5 power chord on the lower strings.

• The bottom three strings (C#3, G#3, C#4) can be easily used to form powerful C#5 chord shapes across the fretboard by simply barring these strings.
• The open C# G# C# F C C# chord contains the notes C, C#, F, and G#. This unique combination could be leveraged for drones, suspended harmonies, or avant-garde textures.
• Simple barre chords on the lower three to four strings will yield interesting heavy power chords or partial voicings due to the strong C# foundation.

How to Tune:

To achieve "Stangl's Ascent C#" from standard EADGBe tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#5.

Please note: While none of these individual string movements exceed the recommended caution threshold of +/- 4 semitones for standard string gauges, always tune carefully and ensure your instrument can handle the changes in tension. Tuning up the 2nd string from B to C is a relatively small adjustment, but always proceed with care.

6th String: C#3

5th String: G#3

4th String: C#4

3rd String: F3

2nd String: C4

1st String: C#5