Altered Drop C Tuning Analysis

This unique Altered Drop C tuning, famously used by The Paper Kites for their song "Tenenbaum," is a sophisticated departure from standard guitar tunings, offering a rich, melancholic, and deeply resonant soundscape. While its name suggests a variant of Drop C, its intervals are far more intricate, creating harmonic possibilities that are both dark and beautifully complex.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of this tuning is atmospheric and often pensive. The dropped sixth string to C# provides a profound, rumbling foundation, anchoring the sound in a rich, low register. This, combined with the C# on the fourth string, creates a strong, almost drone-like presence of the C# root. The other strings then weave around this core, introducing elements that evoke a sense of yearning or gentle sorrow. It’s less about bright, open major chords and more about sustained, evolving textures and intricate melodic lines. The tuning encourages fingerstyle playing or arpeggiation to fully explore its harmonic nuances, hinting at modal qualities, particularly a Dorian or minor feel due to the natural E on the first string contrasting with the C# root.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: The strings are tuned to C#3 G#3 C#4 F#4 A#4 E4, from the lowest (6th) to highest (1st) string.
• Root and Power: The 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (C#3, G#3, C#4) form a powerful and resonant C#5 chord, providing a solid foundation. This strong low end is ideal for driving rhythms or deep, sustained drones.
• Harmonic Complexity: The introduction of F#4 (Perfect 4th from C#), A#4 (Major 6th from C#), and E4 (Natural 3rd if considering C# minor, or a b7 from F#) adds significant color.
• Key Intervals:
  • The interval from 6th (C#) to 5th (G#) is a Perfect 5th.
  • From 5th (G#) to 4th (C#) is a Perfect 4th.
  • From 4th (C#) to 3rd (F#) is a Perfect 4th.
  • From 3rd (F#) to 2nd (A#) is a Major 3rd.
  • A particularly striking interval is between the 2nd (A#) and 1st (E) strings, which is a Diminished 5th (a tritone). This specific interval is a key contributor to the "altered" and somewhat dissonant yet compelling character of the tuning, lending itself to tension and release.
• Open Chord Voicings:
  • A strong C#5 Power Chord is readily available on strings 6, 5, and 4 (C#3, G#3, C#4).
  • Strumming strings 6, 5, and 1 (C#3, G#3, E4) yields a clear C# Minor Triad.
  • Strings 4, 3, and 2 (C#4, F#4, A#4) form an F# Major chord in second inversion (C#/F#).
  • Strings 3, 2, and 1 (F#4, A#4, E4) can outline an F# Dominant 7th chord (F# A# E, where F# is the root, A# is the major 3rd, and E is the minor 7th).
• Playing Style Implications: The repeated C# notes (on 6th and 4th strings) create a natural drone. The varied intervals encourage melodic exploration and chord shapes that differ significantly from standard tuning, opening up new sonic textures ideal for atmospheric and progressive compositions. The unique intervals also facilitate interesting slide or hammer-on/pull-off voicings.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve this unique Altered Drop C tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitones to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitones to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitones to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Note on String Gauge: While the majority of adjustments are minor, the 6th string's drop of 3 semitones is notable. Generally, for drops or raises exceeding 4 semitones, a different string gauge is advised to maintain optimal tension and tone. For adjustments like the 6th string's 3-semitone drop, you might consider if your current string gauge feels appropriate for the resulting lower tension.

The open strings of this Altered Drop C tuning are as follows:

6th String (Low E): Tuned to C#3 (C sharp three).

5th String (A): Tuned to G#3 (G sharp three).

4th String (D): Tuned to C#4 (C sharp four).

3rd String (G): Tuned to F#4 (F sharp four).

2nd String (B): Tuned to A#4 (A sharp four).

1st String (High E): Tuned to E4 (E four).