This unique and deeply resonant 4-string tuning emerged from necessity, as described by its creator who found it to be a practical and playable solution after a 6-string guitar gradually lost two of its strings. Inspired by Baritone Ukulele tunings, it brings a distinctive, lower register sound to the guitar.

Verbal Analysis

The 'Low GCEA Guitar Tuning' offers a surprisingly rich and open sound, despite being comprised of only four strings. The tuning descends into a very deep register, creating a drone-like quality reminiscent of a bass instrument or a highly customized baritone ukulele. This makes it particularly suitable for ambient music, fingerstyle pieces where open string resonance is desired, or as a distinctive accompaniment instrument. The significantly lower tension due to the dramatic down-tuning might also lend itself to expressive bends and vibrato, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

• Open Tuning: G1 C2 E2 A2 (from thickest to thinnest string). This configuration specifically utilizes the lowest four strings of what was likely a standard six-string guitar, contributing to its deep and sparse sound.
• Chord Voicing: The open strings G C E A naturally form a C6 chord (C E G A) if C is considered the root. This provides an immediate, pleasing major tonality with a vintage, open quality. Alternatively, if G is considered the root, it creates a more complex Gsus4(add6, add9) voicing, offering a unique and expansive harmonic palette for experimental sounds.
• Chordal Opportunities: Due to the inherent C6 voicing of the open strings, this tuning is exceptionally friendly for creating parallel chords. Simple one-finger barres across the fretboard will yield a series of parallel 6th chords (e.g., fretting all strings at the 1st fret gives C#6, 2nd fret gives D6, 3rd fret gives D#6, and so on). This makes it excellent for rhythmic accompaniment, drone playing, or exploring modal harmonies around C major or A minor. The wide intervals between the strings also open up possibilities for unique arpeggios and voicings that would be challenging to achieve in standard tuning.

Current Tuning Notes (Low to High Pitch)

• String 4 (Thickest Guitar String / Original Low E String): G1
• String 3 (Original A String): C2
• String 2 (Original D String): E2
• String 1 (Thinnest Guitar String Used / Original G String): A2

How to Tune (from Standard E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 Tuning)

• 6th String (Low E) to G1: Tune down 9 semitones.

  Important String Gauge Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a significant and extreme change. It is strongly advised to use a much heavier gauge string (e.g., a bass string or a dedicated baritone guitar string) to achieve optimal tension, prevent string buzzing, and avoid potential damage to lighter gauge strings. Standard guitar strings may become excessively loose and unplayable at this low pitch.

• 5th String (A) to C2: Tune down 9 semitones.

  Important String Gauge Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a significant and extreme change. It is strongly advised to use a much heavier gauge string (e.g., a dedicated baritone guitar string) to achieve optimal tension, prevent string buzzing, and avoid potential damage to lighter gauge strings. Standard guitar strings may become excessively loose and unplayable at this low pitch.

• 4th String (D) to E2: Tune down 10 semitones.

  Important String Gauge Note: Tuning down 10 semitones is an extreme change. It is strongly advised to use a much heavier gauge string (e.g., a dedicated baritone guitar string) to achieve optimal tension, prevent string buzzing, and avoid potential damage to lighter gauge strings. Standard guitar strings will likely be unplayable and excessively loose at this low pitch.

• 3rd String (G) to A2: Tune down 10 semitones.

  Important String Gauge Note: Tuning down 10 semitones is an extreme change. It is strongly advised to use a much heavier gauge string (e.g., a dedicated baritone guitar string) to achieve optimal tension, prevent string buzzing, and avoid potential damage to lighter gauge strings. Standard guitar strings will likely be unplayable and excessively loose at this low pitch.