How to Tune Your Guitar to CGCDGE: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to experiment with alternate tunings on your guitar? One interesting and popular tuning is CGCDGE, which is commonly used in various music genres, including folk and rock. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of tuning your guitar to this unique tuning and provide tips for using online resources and apps to make the process easier.

Understanding the CGCDGE Tuning

The CGCDGE tuning is a modified version of standard tuning. To tune your guitar to CGCDGE, follow these steps:

Drop the 6th string from E to C. Drop the 5th string from A to G. Drop the 4th string from D to C. Drop the 3rd string from G to D. Drop the 2nd string from B to G. Leave the 1st string E as is.

This tuning might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a bit of practice, you can easily adjust your guitar to this new tuning.

Using Online Resources for Tuning

One of the easiest ways to tune your guitar to CGCDGE is by using online resources and applications. Here are some steps to follow:

Step-by-Step Tuning Guide

1. Start with a Tuner: While some people might suggest tuning by ear, using a tuner can make the process much easier. There are various clip-on tuners available, and smartphone and computer apps are also great options. When using a tuner, make sure it is set to “chromatic” mode.

2. Lower the Low E String: Start by lowering the 6th string from E to C. This is the most straightforward adjustment.

3. Lower the 5th String: Next, lower the 5th string from A to G. This is the next adjustment in the process.

4. Lower the 4th String: The 4th string is also lowered from D to C, making it the third adjustment.

5. Lower the 3rd String: The 3rd string is the trickiest, as it is lowered by 2 and a half whole steps from G to D. This string might feel a bit slack when you first play it, but don't worry; this is normal.

6. Lower the 2nd String: Finally, lower the 2nd string from B to G.

Using an Application for Tuning

With the advancement of technology, you can now use smartphone and computer apps to tune your guitar. These apps provide an even more convenient and accurate tuning experience. They can be used in two ways:

Clip-On Tuners: These are small devices that clip onto the headstock of your guitar and are directly connected to the strings. Clip-on tuners are highly accurate and straightforward to use. Mobile Apps: There are numerous mobile apps available for both iOS and Android. These apps usually have a chromatic tuner mode and can provide visual and auditory feedback to help you get the right tuning.

Adjusting String Gauge for CGCDGE

When you tune your guitar to CGCDGE, you will notice a significant difference in string tension. This often results in string slackness, which can make playing a bit challenging. To overcome this, consider adjusting your string gauge.

While lighter strings might feel more comfortable, they can affect the sound and playability of your guitar. Heavier strings, on the other hand, ensure that the strings remain tight and produce a consistent tone, but they might be more difficult to play.

Experiment with different gauges to find the balance that suits your playing style and instrument. A bit of experimentation might be necessary to find the perfect fit for your CGCDGE tuning.

What to Play with CGCDGE Tuning?

Now that you have your guitar tuned to CGCDGE, you might wonder, what should you play? Your mentor might have shown you how to play some songs in this tuning, but what about repertoire changes?

The simplest solution is to use online resources, such as YouTube videos or online guitar tuners, to explore songs in this tuning. Many musicians have uploaded tutorials and videos demonstrating how to play various songs in CGCDGE. This makes it much easier to transition to different pieces of music without constantly retuning your guitar.

If you have several guitars, dedicating some to specific tunings can make switching between songs much easier. For example, if you frequently play in CGCDGE, you might consider purchasing or modifying a guitar to stay in this tuning all the time.

Conclusion

CGCDGE tuning provides a unique and versatile playing experience. With the right tools and practice, you can quickly get your guitar tuned and ready to play. Use online resources and apps for accuracy and convenience, and don't forget to adjust your string gauge to ensure a comfortable and consistent playing experience.

Experiment with different songs and your own compositions to fully explore the potential of CGCDGE tuning. Enjoy the journey of discovering new sounds and musical styles!