Open C Tuning
Tune to C-G-C-G-C-E with this free online Open C tuner
What Is Open C Tuning?
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) tunes your guitar so that the six open strings ring out a C major chord (C-E-G). From standard tuning the 6th string drops two whole steps (E2→C2), the 5th and 4th each drop a whole step (A2→G2, D3→C3), the 3rd stays at G3, the 2nd rises a half step (B3→C4), and the 1st stays at E4. Because the 6th string falls so far, a slightly heavier gauge string helps keep the low C tight instead of floppy.
That deep root note gives Open C a resonant, almost cello-like low end, which is why it is a favorite for fingerstyle, alt-rock, and ambient or progressive music. Because every open string belongs to a C chord, you can play major chords by laying one finger straight across a single fret — and the wide spread of octaves makes open strings ring against fretted notes for rich, droning textures.
Open C Tuning Notes — C G C G C E
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5th | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4th | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2nd | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
| 1st | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
Famous Songs in Open C Tuning
- OceanJohn Butler TrioLandmark fingerstyle instrumental in Open C
- DeadheadDevin Townsend ProjectOpen C used for heavy, atmospheric prog-rock
- ShrikeHozierBluesy fingerpicked arpeggios in Open C
- Only LoveBen HowardResonant singer-songwriter fingerstyle
- Sunflower River BluesJohn FaheyOpen C was Fahey's favorite fingerstyle tuning
- FoxgloveBruce CockburnIntricate acoustic fingerstyle in Open C
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open C tuning?+−
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) tunes the guitar so that strumming all six open strings sounds a C major chord. From standard tuning the 6th string drops two whole steps (E2→C2), the 5th and 4th each drop a whole step (A2→G2, D3→C3), the 3rd stays at G3, the 2nd rises a half step (B3→C4), and the 1st stays at E4.
How do I tune to Open C?+−
Start in standard tuning (EADGBE). Lower the 6th string two whole steps from E2 to C2, lower the 5th from A2 to G2, and lower the 4th from D3 to C3. Leave the 3rd string at G3, raise the 2nd string a half step from B3 to C4, and leave the 1st string at E4. Use the tuner above — it is preset to Open C, so each string shows its Open C target as you play.
What songs use Open C tuning?+−
John Butler Trio's 'Ocean' is a landmark fingerstyle piece in Open C, and Devin Townsend uses Open C as his main tuning on tracks like 'Deadhead'. Hozier's 'Shrike', Ben Howard's 'Only Love', John Fahey's 'Sunflower River Blues', and Bruce Cockburn's 'Foxglove' all use the standard C-G-C-G-C-E voicing across fingerstyle, alt-rock, and singer-songwriter material.
Do I need different strings for Open C tuning?+−
It helps. The 6th string drops two whole steps from E2 down to C2, so a standard-gauge low E can feel floppy and lose definition in Open C. Many players fit a slightly heavier 6th string (or a heavier set overall) to keep the low C tight, punchy, and in tune. Standard strings will work, but a heavier 6th gives the deep, resonant low end Open C is known for.
What is the difference between Open C and standard tuning?+−
Five of the six strings change. In standard tuning the strings are E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4; in Open C they become C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-E4. The 6th drops two whole steps, the 5th and 4th each drop a whole step, the 3rd stays at G3, the 2nd rises a half step, and the 1st stays at E4. The result is that open strings ring out a full C major chord (C-E-G).