Verbal Analysis: The Standard C-D Sound

The Standard C-D Tuning (E-A-D-G-C-D) offers a fresh twist on the familiar standard EADGBE tuning, retaining its low-end stability while introducing unique harmonic possibilities in the upper register. By keeping the foundational E, A, D, and G strings unchanged, this tuning provides a comfortable base for bass lines and rhythmic patterns, allowing players to feel at home with power chords and lower register riffs. The real character emerges from the modification of the two highest strings: the B string is raised to a C, and the high E string is lowered to a D. This creates a close-voiced G-C-D cluster on the higher strings, which is incredibly rich for fingerstyle playing, open chord voicings, and creating captivating drones. It's a tuning that encourages exploration, breaking away from conventional shapes to discover new melodies and harmonies, particularly appealing for folk, indie, or experimental styles looking for a slightly brighter, more open sound.

Technical Analysis: E-A-D-G-C-D Breakdown

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open Notes (Low to High): E2-A2-D3-G3-C4-D4

Intervallic Relationships:

Starting from the lowest string, the tuning maintains perfect fourths for the first five strings (E-A, A-D, D-G, G-C). This consistent interval across the majority of the neck makes it intuitive for familiar scales and chord shapes on these strings. The unique aspect is the interval between the two highest strings: a major second from C to D. This creates a distinctive melodic quality in the upper register that sets this tuning apart from more traditional all-fourths or open tunings.

Open Chords and Voicings:

Strumming all open strings (E-A-D-G-C-D) produces a rich, suspended quality, implying a Cadd9 chord or a Gadd2/D voicing due to the presence of C, E, G, D, and A. It's an open, somewhat ambiguous sound ripe for creative interpretation.

• C Major Family: The notes C, E, G are present, allowing for easy access to C major voicings, especially with the open C on the 2nd string. For instance, a simple two-finger chord on the D string (2nd fret, E) and G string (open) alongside the open C and high D can create beautiful voicings.
• D Suspended: The presence of D, G, and A (from the open strings) naturally lends itself to Dsus4 or Dsus2 voicings. The high D string can act as a lovely drone.
• Melodic Potential: The close proximity of G-C-D on the higher strings is excellent for fingerpicking, arpeggios, and creating sustained melodic lines with interesting harmonic tension.
• Familiar Lower End: The E-A-D-G foundation means that many standard power chord shapes and lower-string riffs remain largely transferable, making the transition to this tuning smoother for players accustomed to standard.

How to Tune Your Guitar:

To achieve the Standard C-D tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string, starting from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B to C. Tune to C4. (This is a minor adjustment and generally safe for standard gauge strings.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D. Tune to D4. (This is a minor adjustment and generally safe for standard gauge strings.)

Please Note: Adjustments of 4 semitones or more (up or down) can put significant stress on your guitar neck and strings. For such large changes, considering a different string gauge is advisable. The changes in this tuning are relatively minor and should be safe for standard string gauges.

String 6 (Low E): E2 (tuned to E)
String 5 (A): A2 (tuned to A)
String 4 (D): D3 (tuned to D)
String 3 (G): G3 (tuned to G)
String 2 (B/C): C4 (tuned up from B to C)
String 1 (High E/D): D4 (tuned down from E to D)