Innovative chord structures, typically infeasible in standard tuning, become surprisingly playable through Jimmy Page's use of open C tuning, broadening the acoustic blues landscape dramatically.
In the world of guitar music, some artists choose to venture beyond the familiarity of standard tuning to create unique and captivating sounds. One such tuning that has been embraced by several notable musicians is open C (CGCGCE).
This non-standard tuning, inspired by Jimmy Page's use on Led Zeppelin's "Poor Tom," offers a wide range, with the low E detuned by three whole tones. This tuning is used in Led Zeppelin III's "Friends," where the strumming rhythms can be varied at will, and in bars 9 to 10, the harmonized melody adds a layer of complexity to the piece. Interestingly, Jimmy Page also uses this tuning, known as C6, for the tracks "Bron-Yr-Aur" and "Friends" in the same album.
The Moody Blues' album Question is another example of open C tuning's versatility. Justin Hayward, the artist behind "The Story In Your Eyes" and "Never Comes The Day," uses standard tuning for the former, showcasing his guitar talents, while embracing open C tuning on a 12-string acoustic for the latter, particularly in the song "Question."
Nick Drake, another artist who favours open C tuning, frequently uses a version with the third string tuned down a tone to F (CGCFCE). This can be heard in songs like "That's The Way" and "Which Will" from his album Pink Moon, where the final four bars momentarily venture away from open strings.
Leaving notes to ring wherever possible is a theme throughout these pieces, with open strings mixed with high fretted notes a feature much of the time. This combination can result in complex-sounding chord names, adding to the overall richness of the music.
It's worth noting that non-standard tunings are not exclusive to rock or folk music. They are commonly used in blues and country music as well, providing musicians with a palette of unique sounds to express their creativity.
In conclusion, open C tuning, and other non-standard tunings, offer guitarists a means to explore new sonic landscapes, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the instrument. Whether it's the wide range provided by open C, the complex-sounding chords from mixing open strings with high fretted notes, or the ability to play unusual chord voicings and inversions more easily, these tunings provide a refreshing change from the standard.
