Verbal Analysis: Resonant C Drone Tuning

The "Resonant C Drone" tuning transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant, open instrument, drawing inspiration from the rich, sustaining qualities of a 5-string pair cittern. This particular setup, initially described as a manufacturer-supplied tuning for such an instrument, is brilliantly adapted here for a 6-string guitar to provide an incredibly vibrant and full sonic palette.

At its core, this tuning immediately presents a powerful C Major chord with a pronounced G drone across its open strings (G2 G2 C3 G3 C4 G4). The doubling of the lowest G string (String 6 and String 5) creates an enveloping, sustained low end that is perfect for driving rhythmic parts, atmospheric fingerstyle, or expansive chord voicings. The open tuning naturally encourages a modal approach, allowing melodies and arpeggios to float over a consistent and rich harmonic foundation.

With the open strings forming a C Major chord, a world of harmonically rich possibilities opens up. Simple barres can effortlessly yield other major chords along the neck, for example, a full F Major chord at the 5th fret, or G Major at the 7th. The prevalence of perfect fifth and fourth intervals between strings makes power chords particularly strong and easy to achieve across multiple strings, creating a massive, wall-of-sound effect. This tuning excels in genres requiring a sustained, fundamental harmony, such as folk, world music, drone-based compositions, or ambient soundscapes.

Technical Analysis: Decoding the C Drone

This tuning is defined by the following open notes, from the lowest (String 6) to the highest (String 1):

• String 6: G2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: G4

The harmonic structure is built around C Major, with a strong emphasis on G. The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 to String 5: Unison (G2-G2)
• String 5 to String 4: Perfect 5th (G2-C3)
• String 4 to String 3: Perfect 4th (C3-G3)
• String 3 to String 2: Perfect 5th (G3-C4)
• String 2 to String 1: Perfect 4th (C4-G4)

This arrangement of perfect intervals ensures maximum resonance and sustain when played open, contributing to the "resonant tone" mentioned in its original description. The consistent presence of G and C notes across the fretboard allows for a highly intuitive approach to playing within the C major and G mixolydian modes, making it an excellent choice for exploring open harmonies and drone-based music.

How to Tune: From Standard EADGBe

To achieve the Resonant C Drone tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these adjustments carefully. While none of the string movements in this tuning exceed the general guideline of tuning more than 4 semitones up or down (which typically advises a different string gauge), it's always recommended to tune slowly and carefully, especially when increasing string tension, to prevent string breakage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The G3 remains G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 3 semitones from E4 to G4.

Always listen to your instrument and make small, precise adjustments.