Tuning Analysis: Open E/C Tuning

This unique 7-string tuning, aptly named "Open E/C Tuning," transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape centered around the C major chord. Described as "an open C tuning, in first inversion," it means that while the core harmony is C major (C-E-G), the lowest open string is E, giving it a rich, grounded, and slightly melancholic or expansive feel. It's an excellent choice for slide guitar, drone-based music, or for creating expansive, ringing textures with minimal fretting.

Technical Breakdown:

• The open strings are tuned to E1, C2, G2, C3, G3, C4, E4.
• This arrangement directly spells out a C major triad (C-E-G) across multiple octaves. The root (C) is present on strings 6, 4, and 2. The major third (E) is on strings 7 and 1. The perfect fifth (G) is on strings 5 and 3.
• The intervals between adjacent strings are varied:
  • String 7 (E1) to String 6 (C2): Minor 6th (or a descending Major 3rd).
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 5th.
  • String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): Perfect 4th.
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 5th.
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): Perfect 4th.
  • String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): Major 3rd.
• The combination of perfect fourths, perfect fifths, a major third, and a minor sixth creates a very full and harmonic sound when strummed open.

Open Chords & Chordal Possibilities:

• Open C Major: The most immediate benefit of this tuning is the ability to strum a full C Major chord with all open strings.
• Barre Chords: By barring across any fret, you can effortlessly create a major chord corresponding to that fret (e.g., barring the 2nd fret yields a D Major chord, the 3rd fret an Eb Major, etc.). This makes playing in various major keys very intuitive.
• Minor Chords: While not as straightforward as major chords, minor chords can often be achieved with minimal fingerings, typically by flattening the major third (E to Eb or D#) on strings 1 and 7, and potentially on string 2 (C to B or Cb) if the root of the minor chord needs to be altered.
• Drone & Slide: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for drone-style playing and slide guitar, where the open C major harmony can provide a rich foundation for melodic improvisation.

How to Tune:

Please note the significant changes for some strings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is advisable to ensure string integrity and optimal tension. Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones also requires careful attention.

• String 7 (E1): Tune down 7 semitones. This is a substantial drop, so exercise caution and consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 6 (C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is also a significant drop; a heavier gauge string might be beneficial.
• String 5 (G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (C4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 7: E1
String 6: C2
String 5: G2
String 4: C3
String 3: G3
String 2: C4
String 1: E4