Tuning Analysis: Open C Inverted Triad Tuning (E flat)

This unique tuning, aptly named "Open C Inverted Triad Tuning (E flat)," is designed for players interested in a harmonically rich soundscape, particularly appealing to those familiar with piano chord voicings. As described by Linda Wright, its structure facilitates the playing of triads, with a clever arrangement that presents C minor in the bass and C Major triads higher up the neck.

Verbal Analysis

Sonically, this tuning offers a fascinating blend of C minor and C major harmonies within its open strings. The lower three bass strings (6, 5, 4) form a clear C minor triad (G2, C3, Eb3), providing a solid, melancholic foundation. As you move towards the higher strings, a C Major harmony emerges, with C3, E3, G3 on strings 4, 3, 2, and further up, E3, G3, C4 on strings 3, 2, 1, representing inversions of a C Major triad. This duality – an Eb (D#) on the lowest string, and a natural E on string 3 – creates a rich, complex harmonic palette. It allows for quick transitions between minor and major modes of C, or for the exploration of unique, chromatically dense voicings if played together. Piano players will appreciate the logical, triad-based layout, which mirrors chord shapes they might be accustomed to on a keyboard.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: String 6: D#3 (Eb3), String 5: G2, String 4: C3, String 3: E3, String 2: G3, String 1: C4.

• Bass Triad (Strings 6, 5, 4): D#3 (Eb3) - G2 - C3. When arranged (G-C-Eb), this forms a C minor triad in its first inversion, providing a clear C minor tonality in the lower register.
• Mid-Range Triad (Strings 4, 3, 2): C3 - E3 - G3. This directly forms a C Major triad in root position, offering a brighter contrast to the bass.
• Upper Triad (Strings 3, 2, 1): E3 - G3 - C4. This is a C Major triad in its first inversion, extending the major tonality into the higher register.

The full open chord, encompassing all six strings, consists of the notes G2, C3, Eb3, E3, G3, C4. This complex voicing contains both the minor third (Eb) and the major third (E) of C, which is highly unusual for a standard open tuning. This creates an inherently rich and potentially dissonant sound, offering opportunities for advanced harmonic exploration and smooth transitions between minor and major qualities of C. Fingerings for common chords in C major or C minor will likely be intuitive, especially for triads on adjacent strings due to the consistent root and inversion patterns.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open C Inverted Triad Tuning (E flat)" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these specific string adjustments. Please note that movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down often suggest that a different gauge string might be beneficial for optimal tension and tone. Extreme care should be taken with larger tuning adjustments.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune the E2 string down 1 semitone to D#2 (Eb2). Please note: While this specific movement from a standard E2 string results in D#2 (Eb2), the target note for this string listed in the 'Tuning Notes' section is D3# (Eb3). Users should verify the desired octave for this string to match the specified D3#.
• String 5 (A string): Tune the A2 string down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D string): Tune the D3 string down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G string): Tune the G3 string down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune the B3 string down 4 semitones to G3. (As this is a 4-semitone drop, a lighter gauge string may be advisable for better tension and playability).
• String 1 (High E string): Tune the E4 string down 4 semitones to C4. (Similarly, for this 4-semitone drop, a lighter gauge string may be advisable).

Tuning Notes

The Open C Inverted Triad Tuning (E flat) results in the following open string notes:

• String 6: D3# (Eb3)
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: C4