Verbal Analysis:

The "Cigarbox Drone FCG" tuning, originally described as an "emo cigarbox" experiment, offers a deeply resonant and harmonically rich experience for a six-string guitar, inspired by a core three-string Cigar Box Guitar concept. It builds a powerful, open Fadd9 chord (F-C-G) across two octaves, providing a foundation that is both full and evocative. This tuning is particularly well-suited for styles requiring a droning quality, such as blues, folk, or experimental music. Its repeating perfect fifth intervals create a sense of spaciousness and sustain, making it intuitive for both rhythmic strumming and melodic exploration. The unique arrangement encourages players to discover new voicings and single-note patterns that resonate beautifully with the open strings.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this tuning, from String 6 (lowest) to String 1 (highest), are: F2-C3-G3-F3-C4-G4. The harmonic structure is defined by a series of perfect fifths (P5) and octaves, creating a lush Fadd9 chord:

• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (C3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 5 (C3) to String 4 (G3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 4 (G3) to String 3 (F3): This interval creates an interesting voice leading. While F3 is a minor 2nd below G3, String 3 (F3) is a perfect octave above String 6 (F2), and a perfect 4th above String 5 (C3), demonstrating a deliberate stacking of the FCG motif across the neck.
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (C4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (G4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

The overall voicing forms an open Fadd9 chord (F-C-G-F-C-G), providing a lush and sustained harmonic base. The strong presence of perfect fifths makes this tuning highly amenable to easily accessible chords and melodic patterns:

• Open Fadd9 Chord: Simply strumming all open strings yields a full, resonant Fadd9 chord, ideal for a droning texture.
• Power Chords: Due to the numerous perfect fifth intervals, fretting any two adjacent strings at the same fret will often produce a clear power chord (root-fifth), excellent for rock or blues riffs.
• C Major/G Major: Basic open-position C and G major shapes can be explored, finding unique voicings and natural resonance within this F-centric tuning. For instance, a C major triad can be formed by barring across certain frets, leveraging the C and G notes already present on the open strings.

How to Tune:

Please follow these instructions carefully to achieve the "Cigarbox Drone FCG" tuning. Always tune slowly and check your intonation. The starting point for these movements is standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e).

• String 6 (E Standard): Tune up 1 semitones to F2.
• String 5 (A Standard): Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• String 4 (D Standard): Tune up 5 semitones to G3. Please be extremely cautious with this string. Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change, and it is strongly advised to consider using a different gauge string to prevent breakage and ensure optimal tone, particularly if you are moving from a lighter gauge.
• String 3 (G Standard): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B Standard): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1 (e Standard): Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

Remember that extreme tension changes (movements of 5 semitones or more, either up or down) can put undue stress on your instrument and strings. If you find yourself frequently using tunings with such large movements, exploring different string gauges specifically suited for these tunings is highly recommended.

String 6: F2 - The lowest string, providing a deep, resonant F as the foundation of the tuning.

String 5: C3 - Tuned a perfect fifth above String 6, forming the essential second note of the F major triad.

String 4: G3 - A perfect fifth above String 5, introducing the G (add9) element to the open chord, enriching the harmony.

String 3: F3 - An octave higher than String 6, reinforcing the root and providing an internal octave drone for a fuller sound.

String 2: C4 - An octave higher than String 5, strengthening the perfect fifth harmony and adding brightness.

String 1: G4 - The highest string, an octave higher than String 4, completing the bright, open Fadd9 sound with an upper register G.