Verbal Analysis:

This unique "Open C Altered" tuning, as its name suggests, builds upon the resonant foundation of an Open C tuning but introduces distinct alterations that create a truly unique sonic landscape. It was specifically crafted for a song, indicating its tailored nature for particular musical ideas and emotional expression. When all open strings are strummed, it immediately resolves to a powerful C Major chord, making it an excellent choice for slide guitar, blues, folk, or creating lush, droning soundscapes. The presence of multiple C and G notes across different octaves provides a rich, full-bodied sound that is both bright and deeply resonant. The alteration from a typical Open C (which is often C-G-C-G-C-E) gives it a character that's familiar yet fresh, especially with the 1st string tuned up to a G, further emphasizing the root and fifth of the C major chord. This creates a balanced, open, and harmonically complete sound.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning features the notes G2-C3-C3-G3-C4-G4 from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string. This configuration forms a C major chord across all open strings. Specifically, it consists of the root (C) and the perfect fifth (G) of a C major chord, spread across three octaves (G2 to G4). The omission of the major third (E) gives it a powerful, almost C5-like quality, but the presence of multiple Cs and Gs creates a full harmonic wash. This highly resonant structure lends itself exceptionally well to:

• Open Chord Voicings: Strumming all strings yields a robust C major chord (C5 with octaves). This makes it incredibly easy to start playing without complex finger positions.
• Barre Chords: By barring across any fret, you can effortlessly achieve other major chords. For example, barring all strings at the 5th fret will produce an F major chord, and barring at the 7th fret will yield a G major chord, maintaining the open, resonant quality.
• Drone Potential: The repeated C and G notes across various octaves make it excellent for creating drones and sustained harmonies, particularly effective in ambient or experimental music. The low G2 and high G4 provide a broad tonal range for rich soundscapes.
• Unique Chord Shapes: While traditional chord shapes will require re-learning, the inherent open C major structure encourages exploration of new, open voicings by adding just one or two fingers. For instance, fretting the 2nd string at the 1st fret (C#) against the open G-C-C-G-G creates a distinctive cluster.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Open C Altered" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these precise steps. Please exercise caution when tuning strings up by multiple semitones, as this increases string tension significantly and may require a period of string stretching to settle into pitch.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune this string up 3 semitones from E2 to G2. (Caution advised for increased tension.)
• 5th String (A): Tune this string up 3 semitones from A2 to C3. (Caution advised for increased tension.)
• 4th String (D): Tune this string down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune this string up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune this string up 3 semitones from E4 to G4. (Caution advised for increased tension.)

Note: For changes of 4 or more semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is generally recommended to prevent string breakage or excessive tension/looseness. This tuning involves several strings tuned up by 3 semitones, so proceed with care, allow strings to stretch, and ensure your guitar can handle the increased tension on those particular strings.

The original tuning description notes that the 1st string is "typically an 1st string e" in standard guitar tuning, but here it is deliberately altered to G4, highlighting a conscious and creative choice for specific musical expression within this unique setup.

6th String: Tuned to G2. This is achieved by tuning the standard low E string up by 3 semitones. This string provides a deep, resonant bass note, serving as the perfect fifth of the open C chord, grounding the entire tuning.

5th String: Tuned to C3. This string is tuned up 3 semitones from the standard A string. It firmly establishes the root of the open C major chord in the lower register, adding significant body and resonance.

4th String: Tuned to C3. This string is tuned down 2 semitones from the standard D string. It doubles the root C at the same octave as the 5th string, creating a powerful, thick midrange for the C major voicing.

3rd String: Remains at G3, its standard pitch. This string serves as the perfect fifth of the open C chord, providing harmonic stability and brightness without any alteration from standard.

2nd String: Tuned to C4. This string is tuned up 1 semitone from the standard B string. It completes the triad with a higher octave C, contributing to the overall brightness and fullness of the open chord.

1st String: Tuned to G4, the highest note in this tuning. This string is tuned up 3 semitones from the standard high E string. It doubles the perfect fifth (G) at a high octave, giving the tuning a sparkling top end and a unique character that deviates from typical Open C tunings which often retain a higher E or C.