This unique tuning, which we've named Abysskiss C# Drone, is a fascinating sonic landscape reportedly one of the tunings used by Adrianne Lenker for "Blue and Red Horses" off her album Abysskiss. While the input JSON labels it as a "Modified Drop C#", its specific arrangement of notes branches into a distinctive open configuration that creates rich, sustained textures, ideal for atmospheric and introspective folk music.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open String Notes: The guitar is tuned to C#2, G#2, C#3, F#3, A2, E3 from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string.
• Harmonic Structure:
  • The lowest three strings (C#2, G#2, C#3) establish a powerful C#5 power chord across two octaves, providing a deep, resonant foundation.
  • The fourth string, F#3, introduces a perfect fourth above C#3, creating a C#sus4 harmony when played with the lower strings. This adds a beautiful, lingering tension and a characteristic 'drone' quality.
  • The second and first strings (A2, E3) are particularly interesting. The A2 sits a major sixth above the low C#2, or a minor third above F#3. The E3 is a perfect fourth above A2. This top A2-E3 interval forms an A5 power chord, offering a brighter counterpoint to the lower drone.
  • Overall, the open tuning is not a simple major or minor chord, but rather a complex blend of suspended, modal, and drone elements. The prominent C# and G# create a strong anchor, while the F#, A, and E add layers of both consonance and subtle dissonance, typical of Lenker's unique harmonic palette.

Chords and Playability:

This tuning excels in creating open, ringing sounds and drone-like textures. Playing all open strings yields a rich, suspended chord that strongly emphasizes C# and G#, with the F# providing a pensive, unresolved quality. While not a conventional single major or minor chord, this open tuning readily implies several harmonic possibilities and makes certain shapes very accessible:

• Open C#sus4 Drone: The open C#2 G#2 C#3 F#3 create a deep, resonant C#sus4 drone, which can be sustained for atmospheric effect.
• Implied F# Minor: The combination of C#3, F#3, and A2 provides the 5th, root, and minor 3rd of an F# minor chord, making F#m voicings easy to achieve with minimal fingering, especially on the D, G, and B strings (4th, 3rd, 2nd).
• A5 Power Chord: The open A2 and E3 on the second and first strings offer a clear A5 power chord, which can be used as a bright, contrasting element or a melodic starting point.
• Accessible Shapes: Simple two or three-finger shapes, particularly on the upper strings, will often unlock unexpected harmonies. Barring across frets will produce interesting clusters and power chords that leverage the drone qualities of the lower C#s.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Abysskiss C# Drone tuning, adjust your guitar strings according to the following instructions. These movements are described relative to a presumed starting point for each string, as indicated by the tuning movements provided in the source data:

• 6th String (Target C#2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Ensure this string is tuned to C#2.
• 5th String (Target G#2): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise the pitch of your 5th string by two semitones until it reaches G#2.
• 4th String (Target C#3): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise the pitch of your 4th string by two semitones until it reaches C#3.
• 3rd String (Target F#3): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise the pitch of your 3rd string by two semitones until it reaches F#3.
• 2nd String (Target A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Ensure this string is tuned to A2.
• 1st String (Target E3): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise the pitch of your 1st string by two semitones until it reaches E3.

Important Note on String Gauge: While none of the individual string movements in this particular tuning exceed 4 semitones up or down (which are generally within safe limits for standard string gauges), always exercise caution when significantly changing tunings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) in other tunings, it is generally advisable to consider using a different string gauge to ensure proper tension and avoid string breakage or excessive floppiness.

6th String: C#2

5th String: G#2

4th String: C#3

3rd String: F#3

2nd String: A2

1st String: E3