Verbal Analysis

The "Open Cmaj7sus4" tuning transforms your guitar into an instrument with a uniquely ethereal and resonant character. As the original description stated, "This tuning is awesome!" and it lives up to that claim by offering a rich, suspended major seventh sound right from the open strings. The absence of a major third and the presence of the perfect fourth (F) alongside the major seventh (B) creates a harmonious tension that feels both open and unresolved, yet beautiful. This makes it ideal for ambient soundscapes, modern fingerstyle pieces, or exploring jazz-infused chord voicings. The prominent C and F notes throughout the tuning provide a strong tonal center and foundation, while the G adds a gentle, pleasing color. The close proximity of the B3 and C4 on adjacent strings introduces a shimmering, almost drone-like quality when strummed, adding to its distinct sonic texture. This tuning invites experimentation and allows for lush, complex harmonies with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis

This is a non-standard guitar tuning. The open strings are tuned to F2 G2 C3 B3 C4 F4 (low to high). When strummed open, these notes form a Cmaj7sus4 chord (C - F - G - B). This means the root (C), perfect fourth (F), perfect fifth (G), and major seventh (B) are all present, with the root and perfect fourth doubled an octave higher. The structure of the tuning, particularly the doubled C and F notes, reinforces these tonal centers.

Open Chord Voicings & Reachable Chords:

• A simple barre across any fret will yield a transposed Cmaj7sus4 chord. For instance, a barre at the 3rd fret will produce an Ebmaj7sus4 chord.
• The open strings provide a strong foundation for exploring sus4 and major 7th voicings. By selectively muting or adding a single finger, you can easily create variations around the Cmaj7sus4 sound.
• The G2 on string 5 and B3 on string 3 create a natural Major 3rd interval (G-B), which can be leveraged for G major or G dominant 7th sounds with additional fingering.
• The pairing of C3 and B3 on strings 4 and 3, respectively, offers a Major 7th interval that can be used to create resonant and slightly dissonant clusters when played together.
• While major and suspended chords are easily accessible, creating minor chords will require more deliberate finger placement to introduce a minor third.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note that one string requires a significant tension increase. Consider a heavier gauge string for the 3rd string.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2. (Original note E2)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. (Original note A2)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (Original note D3)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is strongly advised to use a different, likely heavier, gauge string for this string to prevent breakage and potential neck damage. (Original note G3)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. (Original note B3)
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4. (Original note E4)

String 6: F2 - The lowest string provides a strong, fundamental F note.

String 5: G2 - A resonant G, forming a perfect fifth above the C on string 4.

String 4: C3 - The primary root of the Cmaj7sus4 chord, offering a solid foundation.

String 3: B3 - This major seventh provides the distinctive 'major 7th' character to the tuning.

String 2: C4 - An octave above the C on string 4, reinforcing the root.

String 1: F4 - The highest string, an octave above the lowest F, adding brightness and a suspended quality.