Tuning Analysis: Custom CBG Open G

Verbal Description

This is a unique and creative six-string guitar tuning, custom-designed to emulate the feel of a four-string Guitalele or Cigar Box Guitar (CBG) on its higher strings, while incorporating deeper G and D notes on the lower strings. The creator describes it as being "made up" and tuned to mimic the top four strings of a Guitalele, with the bottom two strings featuring a D and G. This approach suggests a tuning designed for a rich, open sound, particularly suited for slide playing, fingerpicking, or strumming with a bluesy or folk feel, characteristic of CBG music. The significant upward tension on several strings, particularly the A and D strings moving up by 5 semitones, means this tuning requires careful attention and may benefit from a change in string gauge to ensure guitar integrity and optimal playability.

Technical Analysis

This tuning presents as a full Open G Major tuning: G2 D3 G3 B3 D4 G4. When all strings are strummed open, they immediately form a G Major chord (G-B-D). This characteristic makes it exceptionally easy to play major chords across the neck by simply barring a single finger across all six strings at any given fret. For instance, barring at the 5th fret produces a C Major chord, and at the 7th fret, a D Major chord. The identical tuning of the two lowest strings (G2 and D3) to the lowest two strings of a standard Open G creates a familiar foundation for many players. The top four strings (G3 B3 D4 G4) form a G major triad, making it very accessible for melodic playing and lead lines. This tuning is ideal for blues, folk, country, and slide guitar styles, allowing for a drone effect and easy chord changes with minimal finger movement. The large interval jumps from standard tuning (EADGBe) indicate a significant increase in string tension for most strings.

Chords within Reach

• Open G Major (G-B-D): Strumming all open strings.
• Barre Chords: By barring a single finger across all six strings at any fret, you instantly achieve a major chord corresponding to that fret (e.g., 3rd fret for A Major, 5th fret for C Major, 7th fret for D Major).
• Root-Fifth Chords: The G2 and D3 on the lowest strings provide a powerful root-fifth foundation, allowing for strong power chords or drone notes.
• Dominant 7th Chords: Easily formed by adding one finger to the third string (B) at two frets higher than your barre (e.g., G7 is open, C7 at 5th fret with an added note on the 3rd string).

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

• Low E String (6th String): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2.
• A String (5th String): Tune up 5 semitones from A2 to D3. Caution: This is a significant tension increase. Consider a lighter gauge A string or proceed carefully.
• D String (4th String): Tune up 5 semitones from D3 to G3. Caution: This is a significant tension increase. Consider a lighter gauge D string or proceed carefully.
• G String (3rd String): Tune up 4 semitones from G3 to B3. Caution: This is a notable tension increase. Consider a lighter gauge G string or proceed carefully.
• B String (2nd String): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4.
• High E String (1st String): Tune up 3 semitones from E4 to G4.

Important Note: Several strings are tuned significantly higher than standard, specifically the A, D, and G strings (5, 5, and 4 semitones up, respectively). For movements exceeding 4 semitones, it is generally advised to use a different gauge string to prevent potential damage to your instrument or premature string breakage. Always tune slowly and check string tension carefully.