Overview of the G Celtic Tuning

The 'G Celtic' tuning for Guitar is a deeply resonant and powerful drop tuning that significantly lowers the instrument's overall pitch. As described in its origin, it's a "DADGAD but LOW" configuration, specifically crafted for aggressive "chuggas" and sounds akin to bands like Monuments. This tuning plunges the guitar into a heavy, dark sonic landscape, ideal for progressive metal, djent, or any style demanding a robust, extended low end, providing an exceptionally low G root.

Technical Breakdown: G1-D2-G2-C3-D3-G3

• Root Note: The tuning establishes a commanding G as its root, with the lowest string tuned to a thunderous G1, which is two full octaves below the standard E2 on a 6-string guitar.
• Interval Structure: From lowest to highest, the intervals are:
  • String 6 (G1) to String 5 (D2): Perfect 5th
  • String 5 (D2) to String 4 (G2): Perfect 4th
  • String 4 (G2) to String 3 (C3): Perfect 4th
  • String 3 (C3) to String 2 (D3): Major 2nd
  • String 2 (D3) to String 1 (G3): Perfect 4th
• Chordal Tendency: When played open, the tuning resolves to a G suspended 4th chord (Gsus4: G-D-G-C-D-G). This provides a rich, open, and slightly ambiguous quality, avoiding the immediate major/minor tonality, which is excellent for creating tension or a modal sound. The repeated Gs and Ds provide a strong, droning foundation.
• Playability and Chord Shapes:
  • Power Chords: The presence of a G-D-G structure on strings 6-5-4 makes this tuning incredibly conducive to power chords. Barring any fret across these lowest three strings will instantly yield a robust root-fifth-root power chord, making heavy riffing exceptionally straightforward. Similarly, barring strings 4-3-2-1 provides open voicings with the G-C-D-G sequence.
  • Open Voicings: The open Gsus4 chord is powerful and resonant. With the lowered C string (String 3), standard major/minor open chords rooted on G require fretting, but this opens up opportunities for unique voicings and extended harmonies.
  • Melodic Possibilities: The open strings G1, G2, G3 provide excellent drone points for melodic lines, especially on the higher strings, allowing for a strong tonal center amidst complex riffing.

How to Tune: From Standard E Tuning

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E (E-A-D-G-B-E). All strings are tuned down considerably, meaning a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and avoid excessive fret buzz. Please follow these instructions carefully:

• String 6 (Low E to G1): Tune down 9 semitones from E to G. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.)
• String 5 (A to D2): Tune down 7 semitones from A to D. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.)
• String 4 (D to G2): Tune down 7 semitones from D to G. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.)
• String 3 (G to C3): Tune down 7 semitones from G to C. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.)
• String 2 (B to D3): Tune down 9 semitones from B to D. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.)
• String 1 (High E to G3): Tune down 9 semitones from E to G. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.)

As a general rule, any tuning change exceeding 4 semitones up or down often benefits from a different string gauge to ensure proper intonation, tension, and playability, making it essential for this tuning.

String 6 (Low G): Tuned to G1, this is the lowest string, providing a deep, resonant foundation. It's tuned down 9 semitones from standard E, making it exceptionally heavy and ideal for powerful riffs.

String 5 (D): Tuned to D2, a perfect fifth above the low G. This string is brought down 7 semitones from its standard A, offering a solid harmonic anchor in the low register.

String 4 (G): Tuned to G2, an octave above the lowest string and a perfect fourth above String 5. It's lowered by 7 semitones from its standard D, reinforcing the root G and adding depth.

String 3 (C): Tuned to C3, a perfect fourth above String 4. This string is lowered 7 semitones from its standard G, introducing the suspended 4th quality to the open chord and a unique harmonic flavor.

String 2 (D): Tuned to D3, a major second above String 3 and an octave above String 5. It's brought down 9 semitones from its standard B, adding to the richness of the open voicing and melodic possibilities.

String 1 (High G): Tuned to G3, an octave above String 4 and a perfect fourth above String 2. This is the highest string, lowered 9 semitones from standard E, completing the open Gsus4 chord with a bright, yet powerful, top voice.