Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, which we'll call "Open C6sus4 with Low E Drone," offers a rich and harmonically complex soundscape, distinct from typical open major or minor tunings. The open strings resonate with a lush, suspended quality, creating an inviting canvas for creative expression. It's particularly well-suited for ambient textures, experimental fingerstyle, or alternative musical genres where a fresh, open voicing is desired. The blend of a low E drone with a C-F-A cluster on the higher strings creates a sound that is both grounded and ethereal, providing a full and resonant foundation with a hint of harmonic tension.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are E2-C3-E3-C3-F3-A3. This configuration can be technically described as a C6sus4 chord (C-F-G-A) where the G is replaced by an E, and it is voiced over a low E pedal tone. More specifically, the core harmony derived from the strings (excluding the lowest E) features the notes C, E, F, and A. This forms a C major triad (C-E) with an added perfect 4th (F) and a major 6th (A). The repetition of C and E across different octaves provides a full, resonant foundation, while the intervallic relationships (e.g., Perfect 4th from C3 to F3, Major 3rd from F3 to A3) facilitate interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities. The overall sound has a modern, open quality, allowing for both consonant and subtly dissonant voicings.

Chords and Playability

• Open Voicing: The open tuning itself yields a rich, extended C chord (Cmaj(add4,add6) over an E bass), offering a unique, suspended quality perfect for drones or introspective pieces. This complex voicing creates an immediate atmospheric sound.
• Barre Chords: Barreing across the frets will unlock a spectrum of complex, suspended, and extended harmonies. For instance, a barre at the 3rd fret transforms the open notes into G-D-G-D-A-C, which is a Gsus4 chord with an added 9th (A). A barre at the 5th fret produces A-E-A-E-B-D, creating an A7sus4 harmony with an E drone, opening up bluesy and jazzy voicings.
• Fingerstyle Exploration: The distinct intervallic relationships between the strings, particularly the two C notes (strings 5 & 3) and two E notes (strings 6 & 4), allow for creative fingerstyle patterns and arpeggios that would be challenging in standard tuning. The close proximity of F and A on the top two strings (F3-A3) can be exploited for melodic leads and expressive phrasing, creating engaging counterpoints.
• Modal Possibilities: Experimenting with various scale shapes over this tuning will reveal fresh modal colors, especially around C Major, F Lydian, or A Dorian/Phrygian, given the inherent notes. The sustained drone of the low E further anchors and defines these modal explorations.

Tuning Notes

Below are the target notes for each string in the "Open C6sus4 with Low E Drone" tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A): C3
• String 4 (D): E3
• String 3 (G): C3
• String 2 (B): F3
• String 1 (High E): A3

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

Follow these instructions to achieve the "Open C6sus4 with Low E Drone" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E:

• String 6 (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: C3. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones can significantly increase string tension. Please proceed carefully and monitor your string's tension.)
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones. Target Note: E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones. Target Note: C3. (Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone, as lighter gauges might become too loose.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones. Target Note: F3. (Warning: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone, as lighter gauges might become too loose.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones. Target Note: A3. (Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone, as lighter gauges might become too loose.)