The "Open C Variatopm" is a deeply resonant and evocative guitar tuning, famously utilized by Eddie van der Meer for iconic pieces such as "Rains of Castamere/Goodbye Brother." This unique configuration provides a rich sonic tapestry, blending melancholic depth with cinematic grandeur.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to D2-C3-G3-C4-G3-C4 (from low to high). This arrangement creates a powerful C major tonality, specifically a C major 2nd (Cadd9) chord, with the added D note giving it an extended harmonic flavor. The top five strings (C-G-C-G-C) form a clear and ringing C major chord, offering a full and harmonically rich foundation perfect for fingerstyle arrangements and expressive melodies. The lowest string, tuned to D, acts as a profound drone or bass note, creating a haunting counterpoint to the C major, reminiscent of folk, Celtic, and film score aesthetics.

This tuning makes many chords readily accessible due to its open nature:

• Open C2 (Cadd9): The tuning itself provides this beautiful and resonant chord (D-C-G-C-G-C), ideal for arpeggios, sustained harmonies, and drone-based compositions.
• Barre Chords: Simple barre chords across any fret will naturally produce major 2nd chords (Cadd9 shapes), allowing for easy transposition up and down the neck. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield a D2 (Dadd9) chord, making it versatile for different keys.
• Folk & Cinematic Voicings: The combination of the low D drone and the C major triad on the higher strings lends itself perfectly to creating epic, melancholic, or medieval-inspired soundscapes, aligning perfectly with its use in themes like "Rains of Castamere."
• Harmonic Richness: The multiple unison notes (C4 on strings 3 and 1, G3 on strings 4 and 2) contribute to a thick, shimmering sound, enhancing sustain and allowing for intricate melodic interplay over a steady harmonic base.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open C Variatopm" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2. (This is within a safe tuning range.)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3. (This is within a safe tuning range.)
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones from D3 to G3. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string, and tune slowly and carefully to prevent string breakage or neck damage.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 5 semitones from G3 to C4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string, and tune slowly and carefully to prevent string breakage or neck damage.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones can result in a significant decrease in tension, potentially causing the string to feel 'floppy' or buzz. Consider using a heavier gauge string for this string if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones can result in a significant decrease in tension, potentially causing the string to feel 'floppy' or buzz. Consider using a heavier gauge string for this string if you plan to use this tuning frequently.

It is always recommended to have your guitar professionally set up if you frequently use tunings with significant tension changes to ensure optimal playability and instrument health.

• String 6: D2
• String 5: C3
• String 4: G3
• String 3: C4
• String 2: G3
• String 1: C4