This tuning, famously used for Bon Iver's "Skinny Love," creates a wonderfully resonant and full sound. It's essentially an Open C tuning, but with a distinct low G, giving it a rich, almost piano-like character. The open strings immediately form a C major chord, making it very accessible for strumming and fingerpicking in the key of C. The arrangement of notes allows for deep, ringing voicings and a drone-like quality, transforming the guitar into a unique harmonic instrument.

Technically, the open tuning results in the notes G2-C3-E3-G3-C4-C4. This forms a full C major chord (C-E-G) with an octave G in the bass, a doubled C and G, and a doubled high C. The intervals from the lowest string are a perfect 4th (G-C), a major 3rd (C-E), a minor 3rd (E-G), a perfect 4th (G-C), and a unison (C-C). This provides a very stable and consonant foundation, ideal for lush arrangements. The tuning involves significant adjustments to several strings, notably the first string being dropped by four semitones, which should be considered for string gauge optimization.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. While within standard limits, this string will experience noticeably increased tension.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones to C3. This string will also experience increased tension.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Tuning down by four semitones can make the string feel quite slack. For optimal tension and tone, especially if playing aggressively or for extended periods, it is advisable to consider a slightly heavier gauge string for your high E string.