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Open C tuning

Open C tuning is C G C G C E, from the lowest string to the highest. Compared with standard: 6th string down two whole steps; 5th and 4th strings down a whole step; 2nd string up a half step. Tap a string to hear it.

Tap a string to hear its note, then tune yours to match.

About open C

Open C tunes the open strings to a C major chord: C G C G C E. Its low C gives it a wide, deep, ringing sound.

It is used in folk and fingerstyle playing, and in heavy rock for its low open chord.

Open C tuning notes

Each open string from the 1st, the thinnest, to the 6th, with the frequency a tuner looks for.

Open C tuning: each string’s note and frequency, with A4 at 440 Hz
StringNoteFrequencyFrom standard
1stE4329.63 HzSame as standard
2ndC4261.63 HzUp a half step from B
3rdG3196 HzSame as standard
4thC3130.81 HzDown a whole step from D
5thG298 HzDown a whole step from A
6thC265.41 HzDown two whole steps from E

Every other note’s frequency is on the note frequency chart.

How to tune to open C

Start in standard tuning and move only the strings that change, lowest first.

  1. Tune the 6th string down two whole steps, from E to C.
  2. Tune the 5th string down a whole step, from A to G. It should match the open 3rd string, an octave lower.
  3. Tune the 4th string down a whole step, from D to C. It should match the open 6th string, an octave higher.
  4. Tune the 2nd string up a half step, from B to C. It should match the open 4th string, an octave higher.

To lower a string, go a little below its new note and come back up to it: a string tuned up to its note holds its pitch better.

To tune with your mic instead, in this tuning or another, use the guitar tuner.

Playing in open C

One finger across every string at any fret plays a major chord: the 5th fret is F, the 7th fret G, the 12th fret C again.

The fretboard in open C

The note on every fret in this tuning. Tap one to hear it, or light up one note or a scale on the neck.

Frets

Tap any fret to hear its note.

Six steps to learning every note on the neck are on the guitar fretboard page.

Questions about open C

What are the notes of open C tuning?

C G C G C E, from the 6th string, the lowest, to the 1st: C2 G2 C3 G3 C4 E4.

How do I tune my guitar to open C tuning?

Start in standard tuning. Tune the 6th string down two whole steps, from E to C. Tune the 5th string down a whole step, from A to G. It should match the open 3rd string, an octave lower. Tune the 4th string down a whole step, from D to C. It should match the open 6th string, an octave higher. Tune the 2nd string up a half step, from B to C. It should match the open 4th string, an octave higher. A tuner showing each note in the table makes it exact.

What chord is open C tuning?

The open strings ring a C major chord. In an open tuning, one finger across every string at any fret plays the same kind of chord from that fret’s note.

Do I need different strings for open C tuning?

This low, standard strings feel loose and can buzz. A heavier set (11s or 12s, or a set sold for drop or baritone tunings) keeps them tight; the guitar may need its neck and intonation set up again.

More guitar tunings

Open D tuning

D A D F♯ A D

Rings D major. 6th, 2nd and 1st strings down a whole step; 3rd string down a half step.

Open G tuning

D G D G B D

Rings G major. 6th, 5th and 1st strings down a whole step.

Open E tuning

E B E G♯ B E

Rings E major. 5th and 4th strings up a whole step; 3rd string up a half step.

Open A tuning

E A E A C♯ E

Rings A major. 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings up a whole step.

DADGAD tuning

D A D G A D

Rings D sus4. 6th, 2nd and 1st strings down a whole step.

Standard tuning

E A D G B E

The tuning every other one is measured from.

All 14, side by side with how far each string moves, are on the guitar tunings page.

Play along in C major

Open the free editor with a beat in C major playing, then add your guitar part, a bass line or your voice, part by part. No account needed to start.

Start a beatAll guitar tunings

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