The 'Colin Hay 1' tuning, potentially used in the melancholic ballad "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," presents a rich, open sound that leans towards a suspended and modal character. This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a unique sonic landscape ideal for fingerstyle arrangements and open string drones. The overall feeling is one of depth and spaciousness, allowing for complex harmonies to resonate with ease. The open strings themselves form a rich chord, perfect for evocative strumming or arpeggiated patterns that evoke a sense of longing or introspection, fitting the song's theme.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings are tuned to D2 G2 C3 F3 C4 C4. When played together, these notes form a C major chord with added sus4 (F), 9th (D), and 5th (G). Specifically, it's a Cmaj9sus4 (C-D-F-G). This creates a full, yet unresolved, suspended quality that is both consonant and harmonically interesting.
• The repetition of C on the 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings (C3, C4, C4) provides a strong root and an octave doubling, which will create a resonant, bell-like quality when strummed. The unison C4 on the top two strings is particularly distinctive, inviting drone-like playing or melodic lines that play against this sustained foundation.
• The bottom four strings (D-G-C-F) are all tuned a perfect fourth apart, creating a consistent interval structure that can make finding chords along these strings intuitive. This also suggests possibilities for power chords and movable shapes that retain the suspended or modal flavor.
• While not a standard major or minor chord, the open tuning offers a complete Cmaj9sus4, meaning a powerful and evocative 'C' chord is available without fretting. Minor chords could be easily achieved by fretting the G string (5th string) or D string (6th string) to add a minor third. For example, fretting the 6th string at the 3rd fret (F) or 5th fret (G) could yield interesting modal voicings.
• The overall tonality leans towards C Dorian or C Mixolydian, given the presence of D (the 9th) and F (the 4th/sus4). This makes it versatile for melancholic, folk, or even slightly jazzy compositions.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Colin Hay 1' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Important Note: Tuning the 1st string down by 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. While generally safe, if you frequently use this tuning or experience string breakage, you might consider using a slightly heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain tension and durability.