The "Standard Drop C#" Tuning

The "Standard Drop C#" tuning, also formally known as EADGBC#, takes the familiar foundation of standard guitar tuning and introduces a distinctive alteration to the highest string. As its name suggests, the lower five strings maintain their traditional E-A-D-G-B configuration, providing a comfortable and well-known canvas for most guitarists. The notable change occurs on the 1st (high E) string, which is dropped down by three semitones to a C#.

This seemingly minor adjustment opens up a surprisingly rich array of sonic possibilities. Verbally, it offers a brighter, almost jangling quality on the top end, while retaining the deep, resonant power of standard tuning on the lower strings. It's excellent for creating chord voicings with an extended, open character, particularly those in keys like A, E, or C# minor, where the high C# can serve as a root, third, fifth, or sixth.

Technical Analysis & Chordal Implications

• Open Notes: The full complement of open strings is E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-C5#. This maintains the perfect fourth intervals between E-A, A-D, D-G, and the major third between G-B, standard for the vast majority of the fretboard.
• Unique Interval: The most prominent technical change is the interval between the 2nd string (B3) and the 1st string (C5#). Instead of the usual major 5th (B to E in standard tuning), we now have a major 2nd (B to C#) across an octave. This close proximity of B and C# allows for interesting dissonances or consonant voicings.
• Chordal Shapes:
  • Common open chords based on the lower five strings (E-A-D-G-B) largely remain intact. However, the top C# will alter their overall sound. For example, an open E minor chord (E-G-B on strings 6, 3, 2) would naturally extend to include the C# on the 1st string, creating an Em6 (E-G-B-C#).
  • An open G major chord (G-B-D on strings 3, 2, 4) would combine with the high C#, resulting in a rich voicing that includes the #11 (C# is the #11 of G), lending it a jazzier, more sophisticated feel.
  • Chords in the key of A major (A-C#-E) or F# minor (F#-A-C#) become particularly resonant, as the open C# can function as a root, third, or fifth, simplifying certain voicings and adding an open string drone. For example, a simple A major triad could be voiced with an open A string (5th), fretting a C# on the 4th string (D string at 4th fret), an E on the 3rd string (G string at 9th fret or D string 2nd fret), and using the open C# string on top.
  • This tuning also lends itself well to melodic lines that frequently use the notes B and C#, providing a natural resonance and ease of execution.

Overall, EADGBC# is a versatile tuning that retains much of the familiarity of standard tuning while adding a distinctive, brighter voice to the high end, ideal for intricate melodies, extended chords, and specific harmonic textures.

EADGBC# Tuning Notes

The open notes for the EADGBC# tuning are as follows (from thickest to thinnest string):

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High C#): C5#

How to Tune Your Guitar to EADGBC#

To achieve the EADGBC# tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E to C#): Tune down 3 semitones. This will take your high E string to a C#.

Important Note: For string changes involving more than 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider using a different gauge string to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your guitar. In this specific tuning, only the high E string is moved down by 3 semitones, which is well within a safe range for standard guitar strings.