The C# Mystic Sus4 tuning presents a deeply resonant and somewhat enigmatic sonic landscape, perfect for exploring sounds that are both heavy and harmonically intriguing. With all strings tuned down from standard EADGBe, this tuning naturally lends itself to genres requiring depth and sustain, such as drone, doom metal, ambient, or experimental music. Its low, open quality creates a sense of gravitas and spaciousness.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are D#3, F#3, C#4, F#4, G#4, C#5. Harmonically, if we consider C# as a tonal center, the tuning provides the notes C#, D#, F#, G#. This forms a C#sus4add9 chord (C#, F#, G# with an added D# as a major 2nd or 9th). The doubling of F# and C# across different octaves reinforces a drone-like quality.

• The lowest notes, D#3 and F#3, establish a minor third interval, adding a dark, weighty foundation.
• The interval from F#3 to C#4 is a perfect fifth, followed by a perfect fourth from C#4 to F#4, creating a strong sense of a C#sus4 framework.
• A particularly striking feature is the minor second (semitone) interval between F#4 (String 3) and G#4 (String 2). This close voicing creates a natural dissonance and tension that can be exploited for rich, complex harmonics or used to build dramatic sonic textures. This is a hallmark of the tuning, preventing it from being a simple open chord.
• The highest string, C#5, resolves into a perfect fourth above G#4, completing the rich harmonic cluster.

This tuning is not immediately intuitive for standard chord shapes, but its strength lies in its ability to generate unique, powerful voicings. Open strings themselves create a full, complex sound. Sliding a finger or bar across the strings will produce compelling parallel chord movements. The inherent tension from the F#-G# semitone provides a unique character that encourages exploration beyond traditional major/minor harmony, making it ideal for experimental compositions. The low range and dense harmony make it excellent for sustained chords and atmospheric playing.

Open String Notes

• String 6: D#3 (Lowest String)
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: G#4
• String 1: C#5 (Highest String)

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note that all strings are tuned down from standard. While none of the movements exceed 4 semitones (where a different gauge string is generally advised), some players might prefer heavier gauge strings for the comfort of tension, especially for strings tuned down 3 semitones.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.