Tuning Analysis: Open C#

This fascinating tuning, dubbed "Open C#", is a vibrant and full-bodied adaptation for the guitar. It’s noted for its usage by bands like Origami Angel, offering a unique sonic palette. As an "Open" tuning, all strings collectively form a resonant chord when strummed open, which in this case is a rich C# Major chord.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to C#2, G#2, C#3, F3, G#3, C#4 (from low E to high E string). Let's break down the intervals relative to the lowest C#:

• String 6 (Lowest): C#2 (Root)
• String 5: G#2 (Perfect Fifth)
• String 4: C#3 (Octave)
• String 3: F3 (Enharmonically E#3, the Major Third)
• String 2: G#3 (Perfect Fifth, higher octave)
• String 1 (Highest): C#4 (Octave, two octaves higher)

This arrangement perfectly spells out a C# Major chord (C# - E# (F) - G#) across all open strings, providing a strong, resonant foundation. The repeated C# and G# notes across various octaves create a full, symphonic sound.

Playing Potential:

In Open C# tuning, barring across any fret will instantly produce a major chord, making it incredibly intuitive for rhythm guitar. For example, a single finger barred across the 2nd fret will yield a D# Major chord, the 4th fret an F# Major chord, and so on. This simplifies chord progressions dramatically, allowing for powerful, sweeping strumming and slides.

Beyond simple barring, the unique voicings can inspire creative melodic lines and drone notes. The close proximity of the Major Third (F3 on string 3) to the octave C#3 (string 4) offers interesting possibilities for arpeggios and hammer-ons/pull-offs. The abundance of perfect fifths (C#-G#) across the lower strings also lends itself well to heavy, driving riffs and power chords with minimal effort. This tuning is particularly well-suited for genres that benefit from expansive, rich chords and simplified chord shapes across the fretboard.

Open C# Tuning Notes & How to Tune

Target Notes:

• String 6: C#2
• String 5: G#2
• String 4: C#3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: G#3
• String 1: C#4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Open C# tuning, adjust each string according to its target note and the specified semitone movement. These movements are based on an assumed baseline state from which the final tuning is derived. None of the individual string adjustments exceed 4 semitones up or down, meaning a change in string gauge is typically not necessary for this tuning.

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune to C#2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5: Tune to G#2. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to C#3. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to F3. Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune to G#3. Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune to C#4. Tune down 1 semitone.