This unique tuning, aptly named "C#sus4," transforms your guitar into an instrument capable of rich, open voicings and experimental textures.

As its creator describes, it's designed for "easy to make a variety of cool augmented chords all along the fret board with many ringing drone notes."

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F#2 G#2 C#3 G#3 C#4 G#4 (low to high). This arrangement immediately presents a powerful C#sus4 chord, with the C# (root) and G# (fifth) prominently featured across the higher strings (C#3, G#3, C#4, G#4). The lowest two strings, F#2 and G#2, provide a rich, somewhat ambiguous bass foundation, with F# functioning as the fourth of C# and G# as the fifth of the implied C#sus4.

The prevalence of perfect fourth intervals between the G#2-C#3, C#3-G#3, G#3-C#4, and C#4-G#4 strings (all 5 semitones apart) creates a highly symmetrical and playable landscape. This makes it exceptionally intuitive to move chord shapes up and down the neck, potentially leading to the "augmented chords" mentioned by the creator, as slight modifications to these fourth-based shapes can quickly introduce altered tones. The repeated C# and G# notes across the middle and high strings naturally lend themselves to creating resonant, sustained "drone notes," enhancing its atmospheric qualities.

Chords and Playability

Beyond the open C#sus4, this tuning invites exploration. Barring any fret will yield a sus4 chord with the root determined by the lowest F# string. For example, barring at the 1st fret gives you a Dsus4 chord (G A D A D A). The consistent perfect fourths on the four highest strings mean that simple two-finger shapes can create powerful intervallic clusters that are easily movable. Experiment with adding a major third or raised fifth to these clusters to discover the "cool augmented chords" the creator speaks of. The drone-like nature makes it ideal for ambient, modern rock, or even world music styles.

Open String Notes

• 6th String (Low E): F#2
• 5th String (A): G#2
• 4th String (D): C#3
• 3rd String (G): G#3
• 2nd String (B): C#4
• 1st String (High E): G#4

How to Tune (from your guitar's current state)

Please note that significant upward tuning can increase string tension considerably. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• 6th String: Tune to F#2. This involves tuning up 5 semitones. Warning: A different gauge string is strongly advised for this string to avoid excessive tension or breakage.
• 5th String: Tune to G#2. This involves tuning up 2 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune to C#3. This involves tuning up 2 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune to G#3. This involves tuning up 4 semitones. Caution: Take particular care when tuning this string to avoid excessive tension.
• 2nd String: Tune to C#4. This involves tuning up 4 semitones. Caution: Take particular care when tuning this string to avoid excessive tension.
• 1st String: Tune to G#4. This involves tuning up 6 semitones. Warning: A different gauge string is strongly advised for this string to avoid excessive tension or breakage.