Verbal Analysis

The 'Open C Major 11/13 Tuning' is an exceptionally rich and harmonically complex open tuning for the guitar. It's meticulously crafted to resonate with the full, sophisticated character of a C Major 11/13 chord when all strings are strummed open. This creates an immediate, expansive sound, perfect for musicians exploring ambient soundscapes, jazz-fusion voicings, contemporary compositions, or simply seeking a unique sonic palette. It moves far beyond the simplicity of standard open chords, offering a sophisticated harmonic foundation that inspires intricate melodic and chordal exploration.

Technical Analysis

This tuning establishes the notes F2-C3-A2-E3-B3-E4 from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. When played open, these notes collectively form an open-voiced Cmaj13 chord with an added 11th (F). Specifically, the notes present are C (root), E (major 3rd), B (major 7th), F (perfect 4th/11th), and A (major 6th/13th). Notably, the perfect 5th (G) is omitted, which is a common and effective practice in complex jazz and contemporary voicings to maintain clarity and focus on the extensions. The intervallic structure, ascending from the 6th string, is a perfect 4th (F-C), a major 6th (C-A), a perfect 4th (A-E), another perfect 4th (E-B), and finally a perfect 4th (B-E). This specific arrangement provides a deep, resonant bass foundation with F2 and C3, seamlessly supporting the vibrant and harmonically rich upper strings (A2, E3, B3, E4) to create a lush, expansive sound that rings with natural sustain.

Chordal Possibilities

The inherent Cmaj13 harmony of the open strings makes this tuning incredibly inspiring for creative playing. Simply strumming all strings yields a full, complex chord that immediately sets a sophisticated mood. The upper strings (5th through 1st: C3-A2-E3-B3-E4) provide a readily accessible cluster of C, E, A, B notes around the C tonal center. This means that with simple barre chords or finger placements further up the neck, one can effortlessly derive various C-related harmonies such as Cmaj7, C6, Cmaj, or even explore inversions and altered voicings. The robust bass provided by the F2 and C3 strings allows for interesting pedal tones and adds considerable depth to any chord progressions. This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting players to discover unique melodic contours and harmonic textures by incorporating single-finger additions or partial barres.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): F2
• 5th String (A): C3
• 4th String (D): A2
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune:

To transform your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning to the 'Open C Major 11/13' tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up from its standard E2 to F2 (Tune up 1 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune up from its standard A2 to C3 (Tune up 3 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune down from its standard D3 to A2 (Tune down 5 semitones). Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. For optimal string tension, intonation, and playability, considering a different, heavier string gauge for this string might be advisable.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down from its standard G3 to E3 (Tune down 3 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change from its standard B3 to B3 (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change from its standard E4 to E4 (0 semitones).

General Advisory: When making significant tuning changes, particularly those involving tuning up 3 or 4 semitones, or tuning down 4 or more semitones, it is recommended to proceed with caution. For movements exceeding these ranges, using a different gauge string (heavier for tuning up, lighter for tuning down) can help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and reduce potential stress on your guitar neck and bridge.