Today we’re going to explore the alternate tuning CGCGA#F in C Natural Minor, which further expands on our previous “C tunings”: Open C Minor Tuning CGCGCD#, CGCGCE “Open C” tuning and CGCGAD Tuning – Key of C Major.
The open notes in CGCGA#F tuning make up the notes in the chord C 7sus so we can call this “Open C 7sus tuning.”
In the video below, I play part of my song, “Valor” which focuses on variations of the C 7sus chord and octave notes of the C Natural Minor scale. Below the video I’ve shared a screenshot displaying most of the notes I’m playing, in scale notes, numbers, scale degrees and intervals.
In the song “Valor,” I start off by playing C 7sus, but because I’m playing the C note on string 2/fret 2, the A# note (string 2 open) is not heard until the third chord of my progression.
In CGCGA#F tuning there are octave C and G notes in the open chord. The second chord in my progression adds octave G# notes on strings 3 and 5. I continue to play octave notes on these strings throughout the song.
As I play octaves up the fretboard on strings 3 and 5, I change the root note from open C (string 6) to G#, G and F to add color and variety to my progression.
May these daily alt tunings continue to inspire you as you explore songwriting beyond the limitations of standard tuning. If you’d like to learn more about making alt tuning a part of your songwriting, give me a call at 888-7-GUITAR or reach out to me here.
Until next time…
~Scott Quillin
Did you know? Scott started playing guitar when he was 14 years old back in 1982. A Pittsburgh native, Scott resides in Rhode Island where he teaches guitar, bass, music and songwriting. He also records and mixes songs for local bands and artists as well as his own music. He writes and records nearly every day and has a real passion to help others hear their “inner voice” and express that in songs.
You can listen to more of Scott’s music at https://soundcloud.com/scottquillin.
