Open C Tuning: A Resonant Alternate World

Open C tuning is one of the most resonant, harmonically rich alternate tunings available. When you strum all six open strings, you get a massive, full C major chord that shakes the room. The deep low C on the 6th string provides a bass foundation that standard tuning can’t match.

This tuning is favored by players who want massive, atmospheric soundscapes - from acoustic singer-songwriters to heavy progressive metal.

How to Tune to Open C

Starting from standard tuning (EADGBE), adjust each string:

String	Standard	Open C	Change
6th	E →	C	Down 2 whole steps
5th	A →	G	Down 1 whole step
4th	D →	C	Down 1 whole step
3rd	G →	G	No change
2nd	B →	C	Up 1 half step
1st	E →	E	No change

CGCGCE - strum open and you hear a massive C major chord.

Tuning Tips

• Tune DOWN first (strings 6, 5, 4), then UP (string 2)
• Use a tuner for accuracy - the intervals are wide
• The 6th string drops significantly - use a heavier gauge string if it feels too loose
• Retune after a minute - strings settle after big adjustments

Chord Shapes in Open C

C Major (Open)

Strum all strings open. That’s it.

F Major (Barre at 5th fret)

F Major (Barre at 5th fret) (555555)

Full barre at the 5th fret = F major.

G Major (Barre at 7th fret)

G Major (Barre at 7th fret) (777777)

Am

Am (002210)

Em

Em (4x0000)

Why Use Open C?

1. Massive Bass

The 6th string tuned to C provides a bass note two whole steps lower than standard. Combined with the two other C strings, the bass resonance is enormous.

2. Drone Strings

Multiple strings tuned to C and G create natural drones. Fingerpicked melodies against droning bass strings produce hypnotic, atmospheric music.

3. Easy Keys

Playing in C major, F major, and G major is effortless. Simple barre positions create full chords.

4. Unique Voicings

The string relationships create chord shapes impossible in standard tuning, unlocking new harmonic possibilities.

Songs in Open C

1. “Friends” – Led Zeppelin - Jimmy Page’s atmospheric Open C piece
2. “Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp” – Led Zeppelin - Energetic Open C acoustic
3. “Pretty Noose” – Soundgarden - Chris Cornell’s Open C songwriting
4. “Burden in My Hand” – Soundgarden - Haunting Open C ballad
5. “Ocean” – John Butler Trio - The 12-minute Open C masterpiece

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Open String Drone

Fingerpick a melody on strings 1 and 2 while letting strings 4-6 drone open. The C-G-C bass creates a rich harmonic bed.

Exercise 2: Barre Chord Walk

Play open (C) → barre 2nd fret (D) → barre 4th (E) → barre 5th (F) → barre 7th (G). One-finger chord changes across the major scale.

Exercise 3: Hammer-On Riff

On the open 4th and 3rd strings (both C and G), hammer-on to the 2nd fret for D and A tones. The interplay between open and hammered notes creates Celtic-style patterns.

Common Mistakes

1. Not adjusting string tension expectations. The 6th string drops very low - it will feel floppy. A heavier gauge on the bottom strings helps.

2. Trying to play standard tuning chord shapes. Those shapes produce completely different chords in Open C. Learn the new shapes.

3. Only strumming open. The power of Open C is in partial chord shapes, drone strings, and fingerpicked patterns - not just open barre strumming.

Try This in Guitar Wiz

Use the Tuner in Guitar Wiz to accurately tune each string to CGCGCE - the chromatic mode handles non-standard tunings. Explore standard chord shapes in the Chord Library as reference for corresponding shapes in the new tuning.

Download Guitar Wiz on the App Store · Explore the Guitar Tuner →

FAQ

Is Open C tuning good for beginners?

It’s accessible - simple barre shapes create full chords. However, understanding why you’d use it benefits from some standard tuning experience first.

Does Open C tuning damage the guitar?

The overall tension is LOWER than standard (most strings tune down). The 2nd string tunes up one half step - no risk. Safe for any guitar.

What strings work best for Open C?

Medium gauge (.012-.054) provides better tension for the dropped low strings. Some players use a heavier 6th string (.056+) for the low C.

People Also Ask

What is Open C tuning? A guitar tuning where strings are tuned to CGCGCE, producing a C major chord when all strings are strummed open.

How do you tune to Open C? From standard: lower the 6th string 2 steps to C, 5th string 1 step to G, 4th string 1 step to C, raise the 2nd string ½ step to C. Leave 3rd and 1st strings unchanged.

What songs use Open C tuning? Led Zeppelin’s “Friends,” Soundgarden’s “Burden in My Hand,” and John Butler Trio’s “Ocean” are well-known Open C songs.