This is a captivating and highly distinctive guitar tuning that truly evokes a 'sitar-like' sonic landscape. Its unique structure allows for a rich interplay of high and open notes, producing beautiful and unique sounds that are difficult to achieve in standard tunings. The overall feel is deeply modal and somewhat melancholic, offering a broad canvas for expressive playing and drone-based music.

Technical Analysis

The tuning presents a fascinating re-entrant configuration, where the 5th string (G2) is tuned lower than the 6th string (D#3). This creates an unexpected depth and allows for intriguing melodic and harmonic voicings, often leading to a fuller, more resonant sound. The open string notes, from low E (6th string) to high E (1st string), are as follows:

• String 6: D#3 (E string tuned down 1 semitone)
• String 5: G2 (A string tuned down 2 semitones) - This is the re-entrant string, sounding lower than String 6.
• String 4: C3 (D string tuned down 2 semitones)
• String 3: G3 (G string, no change)
• String 2: C4 (B string tuned up 1 semitone)
• String 1: D#5 (High E string tuned down 1 semitone)

When all strings are played open, the resulting notes are G2, C3, D#3, G3, C4, D#5. This ensemble forms a rich C minor chord in its second inversion (G-C-Eb) with repeated octaves and a wide range. Specifically, it can be viewed as G-C-Eb-G-C-Eb, providing a strong harmonic foundation for the C minor tonality. The repeated Gs and Cs, alongside the D# (enharmonically Eb), create an open, ringing quality conducive to drones and modal improvisations, embodying the 'sitar-like' characteristic described.

Chords and Playability

The open strings naturally form a C minor sonority, making open C minor chords readily available and resonant. Due to the repetition of G and C, these notes can serve as strong tonal centers for melodic lines, supporting improvisation in C minor or related modes. Chords that are easily accessible include:

• Open C minor (G-C-D#-G-C-D#): The core open chord, offering a deep and melancholic sound that is immediately gratifying.
• G minor or Gsus4: With the prominent G notes and the C (which can function as a sus4 over G), G minor-ish voicings are naturally suggested, allowing for movement between relative minor keys.
• Barre Chords: Barring all strings at any fret will produce parallel harmonic structures, allowing for easy transposition of the open chord shape up and down the neck. For instance, barring at the 3rd fret would yield an Eb minor sonority (Bb-Eb-Gb-Bb-Eb-Gb).
• Droning Melodies: The repeated G and C notes, combined with the D# (Eb) on the highest and lowest (6th string) strings, make this tuning ideal for creating sustained drones and weaving intricate, modal melodies. The re-entrant 5th string adds an unexpected low end to melodic phrases, enhancing the unique textural possibilities.

Open String Notes

• String 6 (Low E): D#3
• String 5 (A): G2
• String 4 (D): C3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): C4
• String 1 (High E): D#5

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Re-entrant C Minor Modal' tuning, adjust your strings from standard E Standard tuning as follows. Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitones to D#5.

Note: Tuning up 1 semitones for String 2 is generally safe and within normal string tension limits. For optimal performance and string longevity, always ensure your strings are in good condition when changing tunings.