G#FG#D#G#CD# Guitar Tuner

G#FG#D#G#CD# | A♭FA♭E♭A♭CE♭ Open C6 CACGCE (2 Steps Down) - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Open C6 CACGCE (2 Steps Down)

This is a 7 String version of Open C6 tuning (CACGCE). This tuning is actually meant for a 6 String but the website doesn't allow the lowest string to be lower than A. So I had to improvise here so the original tuning ends with that high C but you can use this on a 7 String if you like with the high D#.

Verbal Analysis

This 7-string tuning, despite its given name "Open C6 CACGCE (2 Steps Down)" and description, is fundamentally structured around an Open F minor 7 chord. The lowest notes, G#2 and F2, provide a deep, resonant foundation, contributing to a somewhat dark, brooding, and introspective character. The presence of multiple G# notes (G#2, G#3, G#4) and D# notes (D#4, D#5) across the strings creates a rich harmonic texture and allows for easy drone effects, enhancing the minor tonality. This tuning naturally lends itself to compositions in F minor, making open string strumming produce a full F minor 7 voicing. Chords and melodic lines will feel intuitive within this harmonic framework, with power chords built on the lowest F string sounding particularly strong and deep.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 7-string guitar tuning, from the lowest (String 7) to the highest (String 1), are: G#2, F2, G#3, D#4, G#4, C4, D#5. The unique pitch classes present are F, G# (Ab), C, and D# (Eb). These notes collectively form an F minor 7 chord (F - G# - C - D#).

Chord Voicing: The open strings directly produce an F minor 7 chord, which can be easily transposed up the neck by barring.
Octave Doublings: There are significant octave doublings with G# (G#2, G#3, G#4) and D# (D#4, D#5), providing a full and layered sound.
Intervals from F2 (treating F as the root of the chord for analysis of the F minor 7):
- F2 (Root)
- G#2 (Minor 3rd)
- G#3 (Minor 3rd, an octave higher)
- C4 (Perfect 5th)
- D#4 (Minor 7th)
- G#4 (Minor 3rd, two octaves higher)
- D#5 (Minor 7th, an octave higher)

Open Chords and Playability

The most immediate open chord is a full F minor 7 by simply strumming all strings. The stacked intervals make it easy to create rich, full minor 7 voicings by barring across any fret. Shapes derived from this tuning will naturally lean towards F minor harmony. Due to the wide range of notes and open chord possibilities, this tuning would be suitable for ambient music, metal, or blues where a deep, resonant minor sound is desired.

String Tension Considerations

The string movements are generally moderate:

String 7 is tuned down 3 semitones.
Strings 6, 4, 3, and 2 are tuned up 1 semitone.
Strings 5 and 1 are tuned down 1 semitone.

The largest adjustment is on String 7, which is lowered by 3 semitones. While this is a significant drop, it generally remains within acceptable limits for a standard string gauge without requiring an immediate change. However, players should be mindful of potential slackness on this string, and for sustained use or heavier playing styles, a slightly thicker gauge for the 7th string might be beneficial to maintain optimal tension and tone. No string exceeds the suggested +/- 4 semitone threshold for considering a different string gauge.