Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, which we've named "C6 with Low E Tuning," offers a rich and versatile sound, perfect for genres ranging from blues and folk to jazz and contemporary pop. The open strings resonate as a beautiful C6 chord, anchored by a deep E in the bass. This creates a full, inviting sound that can feel both familiar and refreshingly new. It's particularly well-suited for slide guitar, as a single barre across the fretboard will yield different 6th chords, making it easy to create lush, harmonically interesting progressions. The presence of multiple C notes across different octaves provides a strong, unifying tonality, while the A adds a touch of sophistication. Expect a warm, resonant, and harmonically rich foundation for your playing.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are: E2, C3, G2, C3, A3, C4. This configuration results in the notes C, E, G, A when stacked, forming a C6 chord. With the E2 as the lowest string, the tuning essentially presents a C6 chord with its major third (E) in the bass. This provides a strong harmonic base. The intervals between adjacent strings (from 6th to 1st) are: Major 6th (E2-C3), minor 6th down (C3-G2), Perfect 4th (G2-C3), Major 6th (C3-A3), and minor 3rd (A3-C4). This unique spacing encourages open chord voicings and allows for interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities, particularly when exploring drone notes and rich strumming patterns.

Chords Within Reach

• Open Strum: A full, resonant C6 chord (E-C-G-C-A-C), creating an immediate rich harmonic foundation.
• Barre Chords: By barring across any fret, you can effortlessly play different 6th chords. For instance, barring at the 1st fret yields an F6 chord, while barring at the 3rd fret gives a G6. This makes shifting harmonic centers very intuitive.
• E Minor / E Major: The low E provides a strong anchor for both E minor and E major tonalities. Fretting a G# on the G2 string (string 4, 4th fret) would establish an E major feel, while leaving it open maintains an E minor harmony with the low E.
• C Major / C Minor: The abundant C notes (C3, C3, C4) and G (G2) naturally support C major. Fretting an Eb on the E2 string (string 6, 6th fret) could introduce C minor elements.

How to Tune

• 6th String (Lowest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard E2 pitch.
• 5th String (A String): Tune up 3 semitones to C3. This is a significant upward adjustment from A. Caution is advised to prevent string breakage.
• 4th String (D String): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. This is a substantial drop. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.
• 3rd String (G String): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. Another considerable downward adjustment. A heavier gauge string is recommended here as well.
• 2nd String (B String): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. A manageable drop.
• 1st String (Highest E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. This is a notable drop. A heavier gauge string might be beneficial for this string.