Verbal Analysis

This is a truly distinctive and resonant tuning, offering a rich soundscape that leans towards a C Major tonality, but with a unique low-end characteristic. The open strings immediately present a full C Major sound (C-E-G) with an added low D and a strong G, giving it a somewhat majestic and sometimes melancholic or atmospheric quality. It feels deep and expansive, suitable for a range of styles from folk and blues to ambient soundscapes and fingerstyle arrangements where a droning quality is desired. The arrangement of notes, particularly the lower C string (3rd string) being below the E string (4th string), creates a re-entrant structure that can open up unexpected melodic and harmonic possibilities, making it a playground for creative exploration. It provides a full, ringing sound when strummed open, almost like a harmonium or dulcimer.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar strings to D2 G2 E3 C3 G3 C4 from thickest to thinnest.

• Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the 6th and 5th strings are lowered, the 4th string is raised, and the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings are significantly lowered.
• The open strings, when ordered by pitch, are D2, G2, C3, E3, G3, C4. This forms a C Major 9th chord (C-E-G-D) with an additional G and C, and the 9th (D) in the bass.

Intervals (string by string, from thickest to thinnest):

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (E3): Major 6th (9 semitones) - a considerable jump in pitch.
• String 4 (E3) to String 3 (C3): Descending Major 3rd (8 semitones down, or Major 6th up from C3 to E3). This indicates a re-entrant tuning, where a lower-pitched string (3rd string C3) is placed after a higher-pitched string (4th string E3) when going from thickest to thinnest. This is a key technical feature.
• String 3 (C3) to String 2 (G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (C4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

Open Chords and Accessibility:

• Strumming all open strings yields a rich C Major 9 chord with the D as the lowest note.
• The C-E-G-C (3rd, 4th, 2nd, 1st strings respectively, with the 4th string E3 being higher than the 3rd string C3) forms a C Major chord across the middle and treble strings, providing a strong harmonic foundation.
• Barring across any fret will immediately yield a major chord in that key, allowing for easy transposition up the neck (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret would create a D Major sound).
• The D-G relationship in the bass (6th and 5th strings) allows for strong power chords or drone notes in D or G.
• The re-entrant tuning between the 4th and 3rd strings offers unique voicings and arpeggio opportunities, similar to banjos or ukuleles.
• Chords like G major (G-B-D) would be easily accessible, as G is prevalent (G2, G3) and a B can be found a minor third above G.
• Given the significant drops in pitch for multiple strings, particularly the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st, lighter gauge strings might feel too slack, and heavier gauge strings may be required for optimal tension and intonation, especially for the 3rd string (down 7 semitones).

How to Tune to Modified Open C with Low D

To achieve this unique tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 4 (D String): Tune up 2 semitones to E3. (Movement: +2 semitones)
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (Movement: -7 semitones) Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Movement: -4 semitones) Caution: This is a notable drop in pitch. A different string gauge might be advised.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Movement: -4 semitones) Caution: This is a notable drop in pitch. A different string gauge might be advised.

Always tune carefully and check intonation after making significant changes to string tension.