Open Cmaj7 (Low Voicing)

This unique 7-string tuning, aptly named Open Cmaj7, is specifically described as ideal "for all your midwest emo needs." It offers a rich, resonant, and low-tuned foundation that encourages open, arpeggiated voicings and lush harmonic textures.

Verbal Analysis:

Stepping into the Open Cmaj7 tuning immediately presents a melancholic yet beautiful sonic landscape. With the open strings forming a full C major seventh chord, the guitar becomes an instant harmonic canvas. The predominantly low tuning across all strings creates a deep, full-bodied sound that is perfect for atmospheric soundscapes, fingerstyle arrangements, and the emotionally charged progressions often found in genres like Midwest Emo, Post-Rock, and even some Jazz-Fusion. The natural resonance of the Cmaj7 chord allows for complex harmonies to ring out with minimal effort, and its low register adds a weight and gravitas to any played material. Players should be prepared for a very loose string feel due to the extreme down-tuning, which can be both a creative advantage for bends and vibrato, and a technical challenge requiring a lighter touch or heavier gauge strings.

Technical Analysis:

The Open Cmaj7 tuning for a 7-string guitar is structured as follows, from lowest to highest string:

• G1 (Root's fifth)
• C2 (Root)
• E2 (Major Third)
• G2 (Perfect Fifth)
• E3 (Octave Major Third)
• G3 (Octave Perfect Fifth)
• B3 (Major Seventh)

This arrangement clearly outlines a C major seventh chord (C-E-G-B), with multiple octaves of C, E, and G, and a single B, creating a rich and full voicing. The G1 on the lowest string acts as a bass extension, providing a strong foundation for the chord. The intervals are carefully chosen to maximize resonance, with the open strings themselves creating a lush Cmaj7. Due to the significant down-tuning across all strings (many exceeding -4 semitones), a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain playability, intonation, and to prevent excessive string flop.

Open Chords and Easy Shapes:

• Open Cmaj7: Strumming all open strings yields a rich Cmaj7 chord, providing immediate harmonic satisfaction.
• C Major: Simply mute the highest string (B3) to get a C major chord with a strong root and fifth.
• G Major: A G major chord (G-B-D) can be easily formed. The open G strings and the B string are present. Adding a D (e.g., fretting the C2 string at the 2nd fret to make D2) will complete this.
• A Minor (A-C-E): With open C and E notes, an A minor chord can be easily achieved by adding an A (e.g., fretting the G1 string at the 2nd fret to make A1, or the G2 string at the 2nd fret to make A2).
• Movable Shapes: Barre chords become highly effective. A single-fret barre across several strings will create diatonic seventh chords or complex voicings depending on the chosen fret. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret (D) will give a Dmaj7sus2 or similar, offering interesting new harmonic possibilities. Experimentation with partial barres and single-finger additions will unlock a wealth of unique voicings.

How to Tune:

Achieving this low Open Cmaj7 tuning requires significant adjustment from standard tuning. Please be mindful of string tension, and consider a heavier gauge string set if these changes are beyond your current strings' recommended range. Note: Tuning changes exceeding -4 or +4 semitones often benefit from a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and tone.

• 7th String (Lowest String): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. (A different gauge string is advised for changes of this magnitude).
• 6th String: Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (A different gauge string is advised for changes of this magnitude).
• 5th String: Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (A different gauge string is advised for changes of this magnitude).
• 4th String: Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (A different gauge string is advised for changes of this magnitude).
• 3rd String: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String: Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (A different gauge string is advised for changes of this magnitude).
• 1st String (Highest String): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (A different gauge string is advised for changes of this magnitude).

Open String Notes (from lowest to highest):

• 7th String: G1
• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: G2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: G3
• 1st String: B3