C#G#D#G#CC# Guitar Tuner

C#G#D#G#CC# | D♭A♭E♭A♭CD♭ C#G#D#G#C#C# - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - C#G#D#G#C#C#

Used for songs like Nevermeant by American football but for guitars with thicker strings

Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, affectionately named the 'American Football C# Sus2 (b7)' due to its stated inspiration from bands like American Football and its specific chord structure, offers a rich and somewhat melancholic sound palette. It's characterized by deep, ringing open strings, creating an ethereal and expansive feel. The tuning features a prominent low C# and G# drone, providing a stable foundation, while the higher strings introduce intriguing harmonic tension. Players can expect a sound that is both spacious and intimate, lending itself well to arpeggiated figures and open chord voicings that resonate beautifully. The overall impression is one of introspection and depth, making it suitable for ambient, post-rock, or math-rock styles. The original description specifically mentions its use for guitars with thicker strings, highlighting the tuning's tendency towards lower frequencies and the need for adequate string tension.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to the following notes, from low to high:

String 6: C#3
String 5: G#3
String 4: D#4
String 3: G#4
String 2: C4
String 1: C#5

This arrangement results in a complex but highly resonant open chord:

Root: C#
Intervals: The unique notes present across the open strings are C#, D#, G#, and C. When analyzed from a C# root, these represent the Root (C#), Major 2nd (D#), Perfect 5th (G#), and Minor 7th (C).
Open Chord: This distinct combination forms a C#sus2(b7) chord. It's essentially a C# minor seven chord with a suspended second, lacking a traditional major or minor third, which gives it its open, slightly unresolved, and sophisticated character.

The repeated C# and G# notes across different octaves (C#3, G#3, G#4, C#5) create a powerful, droning quality, enhancing sustain and resonance. The D# (Major 2nd) adds a characteristic 'suspended' flavor, while the C natural (minor 7th) introduces a sophisticated, slightly bluesy or jazzy tension that prevents the tuning from sounding overly simple. This tuning is not a simple major or minor triad, but rather a more expansive and modal voicing.

Accessible Chords and Voicings:

Due to the strong C# and G# drone, many fingerings will naturally fall into C# or G# based harmonies. Shapes derived from C#sus2(b7) will be easily accessible. Sliding a single finger or a two-finger shape up and down the neck will reveal various inversions and extensions of this core sound. The open and resonant nature of the tuning makes it ideal for exploring modal progressions and delicate arpeggios, creating shimmering textures. The presence of a minor seventh (C) also opens up possibilities for more melancholic or slightly dissonant voicings, especially when combined with the open D# (major second), allowing for rich harmonic textures with minimal effort.

String Gauge Recommendation:

Given the significant drops in tuning for the 6th and 1st strings (3 semitones down), and the general lower pitch of the tuning, using thicker gauge strings is highly recommended. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevent excessive floppiness, especially for the lowest strings. The original description explicitly notes this for guitars with thicker strings, reinforcing the need for heavier gauges to truly bring out the intended resonance and playability.

String 6 (low E string): C#3

String 5 (A string): G#3

String 4 (D string): D#4

String 3 (G string): G#4

String 2 (B string): C4

String 1 (high E string): C#5

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e:

String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3.
String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to reach G#3.
String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to reach D#4.
String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitone to reach G#4.
String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to reach C4.
String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#5.

General Caution: When tuning strings more than 4 semitones (either up or down) from their standard pitch, it is generally recommended to use a different gauge string to avoid excessive tension/slack and potential damage to your instrument or strings. In this tuning, the 6th and 1st strings involve a 3-semitone drop, which while not exceeding the '4 semitones' threshold, is still substantial and will benefit greatly from a heavier gauge, as noted in the original description.