The Drop D Major Seventh (C#) tuning builds upon the familiar foundation of Drop D but introduces a compelling harmonic twist by lowering the highest string to C#. This transformation creates an expansive and often melancholic sound, opening up a unique sonic palette for guitarists.

Verbal Analysis

Retaining the powerful, guttural low end of standard Drop D (D-A-D), this tuning immediately offers a sense of depth and resonance. The presence of C# (the major seventh of D) on the highest string adds a sophisticated, yearning quality that can range from haunting to harmonically rich. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond typical chord shapes, lending itself well to open, ringing voicings and arpeggios. Imagine an ethereal sound, perfect for ambient soundscapes, introspective folk, or alternative rock that leans into more complex harmonies. The open strings themselves can create a Dadd4(add6)maj7 chord (D-G-A-B-C#), which is complex and full.

Chords on the lower strings remain intuitive, with easy access to powerful root-five-octave voicings. However, the true magic unfolds when incorporating the higher strings. Open chords such as various Dsus2/4 voicings or even unconventional Dmaj7 shapes become readily available. The unique interval between the B and C# strings (a major second) facilitates interesting melodic runs and dissonant-yet-resolving harmonies when played against the lower D-A-D base.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): D2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): D3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): C5#

Analysing the intervals:

• String 6 (D) to String 5 (A): Perfect 5th
• String 5 (A) to String 4 (D): Perfect 4th
• String 4 (D) to String 3 (G): Perfect 4th
• String 3 (G) to String 2 (B): Major 3rd
• String 2 (B) to String 1 (C#): Major 2nd

The lower three strings (D-A-D) provide the characteristic Drop D power chord. The open G and B strings introduce a 4th and a 6th relative to the root D, creating a suspended or added-tone quality. The high C# completes a Dmaj7 harmony, making this a rich and complex tuning that offers deep harmonic possibilities without fretting. The open strings collectively contain the notes D, A, G, B, C# which could be interpreted as a Dmaj7(add4, add6).

How to Tune

To achieve the Drop D Major Seventh (C#) tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string from standard E Standard tuning:

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

Important Note on String Gauge: The required string movements are within typical limits (-2 and -3 semitones) and generally do not necessitate a different string gauge. However, always ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after any significant tuning change.