Open 4 string tuning? Help, please!

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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Permalink Reply by Michael W on October 20, 2015 at 11:57pm

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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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 22, 2015 at 1:35pm

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.

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Permalink Reply by Clock The Wolf on October 22, 2015 at 5:26pm

E Minor: EBEG/BEGB/EGBE

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Permalink Reply by Sean on October 23, 2015 at 2:59am

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...

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Permalink Reply by David McQueen on October 23, 2015 at 2:55pm

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.