This is a highly experimental and resonant open tuning famously employed by Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, particularly on their track "Bull In The Heather" and several pieces from the "Washing Machine" album. It's designed to evoke a rich, droning soundscape with unique harmonic possibilities, characteristic of the band's avant-garde approach to guitar.

Technical Analysis

The tuning's open notes are G2-G2-C3-G3-C4-D4 (low to high). This creates a unique harmonic landscape:

• The two lowest strings are tuned to a unison G2, providing an incredibly thick and resonant bass foundation, lending a powerful low-end drone.
• The open strings feature the notes G, C, and D. This combination can be interpreted as a Gsus2/4 chord (G-C-D) with doubled Gs and Cs, or a C major chord (C-G-C) with a strong low G bass and an added D, giving it an ambiguous yet rich quality.
• The intervals from the lowest G are: Unison (G2-G2), Perfect 4th (G2-C3), Perfect 5th (G2-G3), Octave (G2-G3 on 3rd string), Perfect 4th (G3-C4 on 2nd string), and Major 2nd (C4-D4 on 1st string). The prevalence of perfect intervals and octaves contributes to its ringing, sustained character.
• This tuning deviates significantly from standard tuning, allowing for complex harmonic textures and dissonances when played against traditional chord shapes.

Open Chords and Playability

When strummed open, this tuning produces a powerful, resonant sound that leans towards a G suspended or a C major with an extended bass. Due to the open string relationships:

• A full barre across all strings will yield a powerful, droning chord that moves chromatically, retaining its unique internal interval structure. For example, barring at the 5th fret would produce a sound rich in C and F notes (C C F C F G).
• The repeating G and C notes across the strings facilitate the creation of ringing drones and unconventional melodic phrases, encouraging an experimental approach to songwriting and improvisation.
• This tuning is particularly well-suited for noise rock, experimental music, and sonic soundscapes where traditional chord voicings are less of a focus than texture and resonance. It invites the player to explore new fingerings and shapes to discover its unique harmonic potential.

Tuning Notes (Low to High)

• 6th String (Low E): G2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): C4
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

When performing significant tuning changes, especially those exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider a different string gauge to ensure string integrity and optimal playability. Please proceed with care during the tuning process.

• 6th String (Low E, E2): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2. Generally, tuning up 3 or 4 semitones requires extra care.
• 5th String (A, A2): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D, D3): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G, G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3.
• 2nd String (B, B3): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (High E, E4): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.