Overview

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "GCDGCF: down-tuned oud tuning (G7sus4)", offers a profoundly low and resonant soundscape, drawing inspiration from traditional oud tunings. The creator suggests it's particularly well-suited for a fretless guitar, or even a baritone fretless, which makes sense given the extreme down-tuning. This setup would likely deliver a deep, almost mournful, yet harmonically rich timbre, perfect for exploring modal scales, drone music, or creating expansive, ambient soundscapes. The focus on a G7sus4 voicing in the open strings hints at its potential for blues, folk, world music, or experimental genres where a rich, suspended dominant chord serves as a harmonic foundation.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G1 C2 D2 G2 C3 F3.

• String 6 (G1) to String 5 (C2): Perfect 4th
• String 5 (C2) to String 4 (D2): Major 2nd
• String 4 (D2) to String 3 (G2): Perfect 4th
• String 3 (G2) to String 2 (C3): Perfect 4th
• String 2 (C3) to String 1 (F3): Perfect 4th

The overall harmonic structure of the open strings forms a G7sus4 chord (G-C-D-F). This is a very stable yet open-ended sound. The prevalence of Perfect 4ths (across strings 6-5, 4-3, 3-2, 2-1) with a single Major 2nd (strings 5-4) creates a unique sonic fingerprint. The tuning is exceptionally low, with the lowest G1 being two octaves below standard low E. This deep register combined with the G7sus4 voicing provides a rich harmonic bed.

Open Chords and Playability

The open strings themselves form a beautiful G7sus4 chord, making it a natural drone or starting point for compositions in G, C, or even F.

The repeated Perfect 4ths on the top four strings (D-G, G-C, C-F) allow for easy movable chord shapes that maintain this intervallic relationship, giving a lutenist or oud-like feel. Barre chords across these strings would yield interesting results.

The presence of two Gs (G1, G2) and two Cs (C2, C3) across different octaves provides excellent opportunities for drone playing and emphasizes the root and 4th of the G7sus4.

This tuning encourages modal playing and improvisation, where the player can leverage the open string harmonies and the consistent 4ths to build melodic phrases and chord voicings that feel both ancient and modern. The extremely low register suggests a thick, bass-like texture, making it great for accompanying vocals or other instruments in a lower range.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (low E) : G1
• String 5 (A) : C2
• String 4 (D) : D2
• String 3 (G) : G2
• String 2 (B) : C3
• String 1 (high E) : F3

How to Tune

• String 6 (Standard E2): Tune to G1. Tune down 9 semitones.
• String 5 (Standard A2): Tune to C2. Tune down 9 semitones.
• String 4 (Standard D3): Tune to D2. Tune down 12 semitones.
• String 3 (Standard G3): Tune to G2. Tune down 12 semitones.
• String 2 (Standard B3): Tune to C3. Tune down 11 semitones.
• String 1 (Standard E4): Tune to F3. Tune down 11 semitones.

Important Note: All strings in this tuning require significant down-tuning (exceeding 4 semitones down, with several strings tuned down by an octave or more). For optimal playability and to prevent string damage, using a heavier gauge string set is strongly recommended.