A Deep Dive into the C#sus4 Octave Drop Tuning

This intriguing tuning offers a vast sonic landscape, combining the familiar intervals of DADGAD (tuned down a half step) with a dramatic octave drop on the lowest string. The result is a profoundly resonant and powerful sound, perfect for genres requiring a heavy, atmospheric foundation, such as progressive metal, doom, or even intricate fingerstyle pieces looking for an exceptionally deep bass.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine the deep, ringing sustain of an open C#sus4 chord, but with an additional, thunderous low G# resonating from the lowest string. This tuning creates an immediate sense of grandeur and weight. The open strings sing a full C#sus4 chord, rich with tension and harmonic interest. It's a tuning that invites exploration, where simple finger placements can yield powerful drones and complex voicings. The familiar feel of DADGAD's interval relationships is present, making it somewhat intuitive for those experienced with that tuning, but the lower pitch and octave drop completely transform its character into something darker and more expansive.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are: G#2, G#3, C#4, F#4, G#4, C#5.
Looking at these notes relative to C# as the root (ignoring the dropped 6th string for a moment), the tuning essentially forms a C#sus4 chord (C#, F#, G#).

• The 6th string (G#2) is a G# an octave below the 5th string, providing an exceptionally deep and resonant bass.
• The 5th string (G#3) and 2nd string (G#4) are both G#, offering strong drone possibilities.
• The 4th string (C#4) and 1st string (C#5) are both C#, providing the root and its octave.
• The 3rd string (F#4) is the suspended 4th, adding a unique color and tension to the open chord.

This means that simply strumming the open strings produces a rich C#sus4. The DADGAD-like structure (root-fifth-root-fourth-fifth-root, or C#-G#-C#-F#-G#-C# in this case) makes many familiar DADGAD shapes and voicings easily adaptable. Barre chords across the lower strings can instantly create powerful suspended chords. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret would give you D#sus4, and at the 5th fret, F#sus4. The presence of the F# on the 3rd string allows for easy experimentation between major, minor, and suspended qualities by fretting it or leaving it open. The extreme drop on the 6th string requires a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and intonation, but it rewards the player with an unparalleled low end.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the specific notes for each string in this C#sus4 Octave Drop tuning:

String 6 (Low E): G#2
String 5 (A): G#3
String 4 (D): C#4
String 3 (G): F#4
String 2 (B): G#4
String 1 (High E): C#5

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the C#sus4 Octave Drop tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), follow these instructions carefully. Please note the significant drops, especially on the 6th string.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 8 semitones from E2 to G#2.
  Caution: This is a very significant drop. Tuning down 8 semitones (more than 4 semitones) can result in a very floppy string if using a standard gauge. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and intonation.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A2 to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D3 to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G3 to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E4 to C#5.

Always tune carefully and check intonation after making significant changes to your guitar's tuning. Enjoy exploring the deep sonic possibilities of the C#sus4 Octave Drop!