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Open 4 string tuning? Help, please!

Posted by Sean on October 18, 2015 at 11:16am in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

What are you all using for four string CBG tuning? I'd prefer something open, but I'm such a powerchord nerd a lot of open tunings sound odd to me. I don't do much, if any, chording on the fretboard on this guitar.

So far my favorite has been DAAD. This give me a D powerchord on the heavy strings, and a "close enough" to an A powerchord in the middle. I've also tried DGDG, DADA, DGBD, DGBE, DADF#, EG#BE, which I think are all open.

Another that I tried was DAEB, kind of a 'triple chugger' tuning where the strings next to each other are powerchords.

Give me some others! Prefer to keep heavy string D or E so I can use it for garage - punk stuff easily.

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Replies

  • David McQueen October 23, 2015 at 9:55pm
    I like open G using the middle four strings in a standard six string set, set tuned to G D G B. Realy it is standard tuning for a six string, EADGBE, where the A is tuned down one note.
  • Sean October 23, 2015 at 9:59am

    I'll try these, thanks!

    Right now I have it tuned and strung D 56 / A 44 / a 16 / d 12. It's hard to put down! Kind of want to go with a heavier wound string for the other A instead of two plain strings, but it's a good mix of thick rhythm and sharp high end right now.

    I was going to build a two string bass next, but might have to make another four stringer... 

  • Clock The Wolf October 23, 2015 at 12:26am

    E Minor: EBEG/BEGB/EGBE

  • Shawn October 22, 2015 at 8:35pm
    I like A,E,a,c# for my daily CBG but for my metal CBG I tune like Luke from Filthy Lucre used in the song Hand Made I use C,G,c,g use a set of 12 or 13 anything smaller is to floppy.
  • Michael W October 21, 2015 at 6:57am

    Strings might be a bit light for your purposes but I built a 4 string CBG recently which I strung with the D, G, B and high E strings of a guitar set. I can then tune it to a range of oldtime banjo tunings: ‘Open G’ (DGBd), ‘Sawmill’ (DGCd) or my favourite ‘Double C’ (CGcd).

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