Tuning Analysis: CGDF#GB

This unique tuning, known as "CGDF#GB", is notable for its specific application by Jess Kerber on a classical guitar, particularly in her song "Never Again" from her debut album "From Way Down Here". The tuning offers a fascinating blend of open, ringing tones and complex harmonic possibilities, diverging significantly from standard guitar tuning.

Verbal Analysis

Despite its formal name "CGDF#GB", the actual open string notes are E2 B2 F#4 A#4 B3 D#5. This creates a remarkably bright and expansive soundscape, especially with the higher octaves for the middle strings. The tuning has a very open, almost chime-like quality, encouraging the use of arpeggios and drone notes rather than conventional chord voicings. The specific note choices, particularly the cluster of F#4, A#4, B3, and D#5 on the inner strings, lead to rich, resonant harmonies.

When played open, the tuning does not immediately resolve into a simple major or minor chord. However, the top four strings (F#4, A#4, B3, D#5) beautifully outline a B major 7th chord (B, D#, F#, A#). Including the 5th string (B2) reinforces this, creating a strong Bmaj7 voicing across the higher registers. With the low E2 on the 6th string, the entire open tuning can be interpreted as an E Lydian sound (E, F#, A#, B, D#) or a Bmaj7 chord played over an E bass, offering a sophisticated, airy tonality. This arrangement is perfect for ethereal, ambient, or fingerstyle pieces where complex harmonic textures are desired.

Jess Kerber's choice to use this on a classical guitar with a capo on the 4th fret further elevates its character, shifting the pitch up to G4 D4 A#5 C6 D#4 G5#. This suggests a desire for even brighter, more focused tones, potentially avoiding the more common resonances of the guitar body at lower pitches. You can find "Never Again" on Bandcamp: https://jesskerber.bandcamp.com/track/never-again-3, and a live set beginning with the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCZMHTzUFgU.

Technical Analysis

The tuning E2 B2 F#4 A#4 B3 D#5 deviates substantially from standard EADGBe. The most striking features are:

• The 4th string is tuned up by four semitones from D to F#4, jumping an octave higher than one might expect from the semitone shift.
• The 3rd string is tuned up by three semitones from G to A#4, also an octave higher than a direct semitone shift from standard G3.
• The 5th string is tuned up two semitones from A to B2.
• The 1st string is tuned down one semitone from E to D#5.

These significant alterations create very wide intervals between certain strings, such as the major thirteenth (octave + major third) between String 5 (B2) and String 4 (F#4), and between String 2 (B3) and String 1 (D#5). This makes traditional chord shapes largely impractical, favoring instead open voicings, drone-based accompaniment, and intricate melodic lines that take advantage of the specific string relationships. The high tension on the 4th and 3rd strings, due to being tuned up by 4 and 3 semitones respectively, warrants careful consideration of string gauge, especially on a classical guitar, to prevent damage and ensure optimal tone.

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning (E2 B2 F#4 A#4 B3 D#5) from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones. Target Note: B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones. Target Note: F#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. A different gauge string is generally advised for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, but for 4 semitones up, take particular care to avoid excessive tension, especially on a classical guitar.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: A#4. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant adjustment. Take care to avoid excessive tension.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone. Target Note: D#5.

Here are the target notes for each string in this tuning:

• 6th String: E2 (Low E)
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: F#4
• 3rd String: A#4
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: D#5 (High E)