Tuning Name: Open C# Minor Drone

This intriguing tuning, originally referred to as 'Open C#m Variation' and described by its creator as something found while 'just messing around and liked the sound of it,' creates a dark, resonant, and atmospheric soundscape. Its core is a beautiful C# minor chord, but the lowest E string provides a deep, almost haunting drone that can offer subtle harmonic tension or act as a foundation for E minor voicings and a pedal tone. The arrangement of notes lends itself wonderfully to atmospheric playing, intricate fingerstyle, and expressive slide guitar, where the open strings can ring out to create rich, sustained harmonies. Barre chords will take on unique voicings due to the open intervals and the prominent drone.

Technical Analysis

This is an altered version of standard guitar tuning, resulting in the open notes E2-G#3-C#4-E3-G#4-C#5. Analyzing the intervals reveals a distinctive character:

• Strings 5 through 1 (G#3-C#4-E3-G#4-C#5) primarily outline a C# minor chord (C#, E, G#) spread across multiple octaves, with the 5th (G#) of the chord serving as the lowest note within this group.
• The 6th string (E2) remains at standard pitch, acting as a low drone or pedal tone. When combined with the C# minor structure, it creates a unique harmonic depth, hinting at an E minor sound (E-G#-B, though B is absent) or an E minor 6th (E-G#-B-C#). This E2 note is the minor third below the root C# of the main open chord, adding a powerful, sometimes melancholic, resonance.
• The open strings provide readily available C#, E, and G# notes across different octaves, making natural C# minor, E minor, and G# minor chord shapes accessible with minimal fretting.
• The strong presence of C# and G# facilitates easy formation of power chords and suspended chords rooted on C#.

Chords and Voicings

• Open Strum: Strumming all strings yields a rich, complex harmony, centered around C# minor but with a strong E bass.
• C# Minor: Playing strings 5-1 produces a clear C# minor chord with G# in the bass, perfect for arpeggios and rhythmic accompaniment.
• E Minor Hints: The low E string creates opportunities for E minor voicings, especially when played in conjunction with the open G# and C# notes.
• Barre Chords: Experiment with barre chords up and down the neck, as the unique open intervals will generate interesting extensions and inversions compared to standard tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Open C# Minor Drone' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The lowest string remains at E2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G#3.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E4 to C#5.

Important Tuning Note: Tuning down 3 semitones (a minor third) for strings 3, 2, and 1 is a significant change in string tension. While generally safe, for sustained use of this tuning, especially if you plan to play aggressively, it is highly advisable to consider using a heavier gauge string set. This will help maintain proper string tension, improve tone and sustain, and prevent potential issues with very slack strings. Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or any damage to your guitar.

String 6: E2 (Low E string, standard pitch)

String 5: G#3 (A string, tuned down 1 semitone)

String 4: C#4 (D string, tuned down 1 semitone)

String 3: E3 (G string, tuned down 3 semitones)

String 2: G#4 (B string, tuned down 3 semitones)

String 1: C#5 (High E string, tuned down 3 semitones)