This captivating tuning, named C♯ Major Open Tuning, evokes a profound and resonant sound, perfectly suited for the evocative track "Not Strong Enough Official" by boygenius. It's designed to ring out a full, rich C♯ Major chord when all strings are strummed open, creating a powerful sonic foundation.

Technical Analysis

This is a true Open C♯ Major tuning. The open strings are tuned to C♯2, G♯3, C♯4, F3, G♯4, C♯5 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string, respectively). When organized by pitch, the notes present are C♯, F (enharmonically E♯, the major third), and G♯, forming a complete C♯ Major triad spread across four octaves. This arrangement provides an immediate harmonic richness, making it incredibly expressive.

Chords and Playability

• Open C♯ Major: Strumming all strings open immediately gives you a full, resonant C♯ Major chord. This makes it effortless to achieve a big, powerful sound without complex fingerings.
• Barre Chords: By simply barring across any fret, you can instantly create other major chords. For example, barring at the 2nd fret yields a D♯ Major chord, and at the 7th fret, a G♯ Major. This simplifies playing major chord progressions significantly.
• Power Chords: The repeated C♯ and G♯ notes across various octaves make it extremely easy to form powerful two-note or three-note power chords with minimal effort, providing a thick, driving sound.
• Minor and Suspended Chords: With slight modifications, such as flattening the F (3rd string) to E to create a C♯ minor, or adjusting other notes, you can easily access related harmonies. The drone-like quality of the C♯ and G♯ strings also opens up possibilities for modal playing and sustained harmonic textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar to C♯ Major Open

Follow these steps to set up your guitar for the C♯ Major Open tuning. All tuning adjustments are within a safe range for standard gauge strings.

• String 6 (Low E) to C♯2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A) to G♯3: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 4 (D) to C♯4: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G) to F3: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (B) to G♯4: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High E) to C♯5: Tune down 3 semitones.

String 6 (Low E): C♯2

String 5 (A): G♯3

String 4 (D): C♯4

String 3 (G): F3

String 2 (B): G♯4

String 1 (High E): C♯5