This unique tuning, affectionately known as John Martyn CFCCGD - Whole Step Up, is a fantastic adaptation of the legendary John Martyn's CFCCGD tuning, specifically tailored for guitars with lighter string gauges. By shifting the original tuning up a whole step, it achieves higher string tension, making it well-suited for 9-gauge electric strings that might struggle with the lower register of the original C2. This tuning opens up a world of shimmering drones and unique harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis: Open String Voicing

The open strings are tuned to D2 G2 D3 D3 A3 E4 (from low E to high E). This creates a resonant, layered voicing:

• The abundance of D notes (D2, D3, D3) establishes a strong root drone.
• The G2 on the 5th string introduces a perfect fourth above the root D, hinting at a Dsus4 harmony.
• The A3 on the 2nd string provides the perfect fifth, solidifying the D chord foundation.
• The E4 on the 1st string adds a major second (or ninth) to the overall chord.

Collectively, the open strings form a rich Dsus4(add9) chord. This voicing lends itself beautifully to fingerstyle playing, allowing for melodic lines to weave through the sustained drone of the open D strings. Chords in the key of D major or G major will feel particularly at home, with opportunities for unique inversions and voicings simply by fretting a few notes. Slide guitarists will also find this tuning highly expressive due to the open intervals and drone potential.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the John Martyn CFCCGD - Whole Step Up tuning from standard E Standard tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. If your strings are not a heavy enough gauge, this could result in very low tension or string flop. For optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or intonation issues, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string specifically for this pitch.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4.

Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's neck relief is properly adjusted for any drastic tuning changes.

6th String: D2
5th String: G2
4th String: D3
3rd String: D3
2nd String: A3
1st String: E4