C Standard Tuning

C standard tuning (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C) lowers every string two whole steps (four semitones) from standard E tuning. Because all six strings move by the same amount, the intervals between strings stay identical — every chord shape, scale pattern, and fingering you know works exactly the same, just sounding two whole steps lower. The result is a deep, heavy sound far below standard pitch.

Lower each string by two whole steps (four frets): 6th E2→C2, 5th A2→F2, 4th D3→Bb2, 3rd G3→Eb3, 2nd B3→G3, and 1st E4→C4. Use the tuner above — it is preset to C standard, so each string shows its target note as you play. At this depth, heavier string gauges (.011–.056 or thicker) are strongly recommended to keep the strings from feeling like rubber bands.

No — they're commonly confused but different. Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D) is D standard with only the 6th string dropped to C, giving one-finger power chords. C standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C) lowers all six strings uniformly by two whole steps, preserving normal chord shapes. Both have a low C on the 6th string, but every other string differs.

C standard is the signature sound of stoner rock and doom. Kyuss built their desert-rock crunch on it, Queens of the Stone Age carried it forward — most of their catalog including 'No One Knows' is in C standard — and Sleep's classic 'Holy Mountain' era lives there too. It also appears across sludge, doom, and some death metal where bands want weight without changing chord shapes.

A standard guitar handles C standard fine, but normal string gauges (.009s or .010s) get very loose and buzzy four semitones down. Most players use .011–.056 or .012-gauge sets, and a setup adjustment (truss rod, intonation, possibly nut slots) helps the guitar play in tune. Longer-scale guitars (25.5" or baritone) hold low tunings tighter than shorter scales.