Target notes
C2 - G2 - C3 - G3 - C4 - E4
Low to high
Open C Tuning target notes
6C25G24C33G32C41E4
Open Open C Tuning Tuner The full tuner opens with this tuning already selected.
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Guitar Tuning Guide
Open C Guitar Tuning Guide and Online Tuner
Tune guitar to Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E), view every target note, and start a preset browser tuner for accurate Open C tuning.
What Is Open C Tuning?
A wide C major chord with a very low root, repeated fifths, and open upper chord tones.
Open C Tuning uses C2 - G2 - C3 - G3 - C4 - E4 from the lowest sixth string to the highest first string.
Change from standard
Lower E to C, lower A to G, keep D, tune G to G, raise B to C, and keep the high E.
Sound and feel
A wide C major chord with a very low root, repeated fifths, and open upper chord tones.
Common uses
Fingerstyle, ambient guitar, cinematic voicings, folk, songwriting, and low C drones.
How to Tune a Guitar to Open C Tuning
Make small adjustments, let each string settle, and repeat the complete guitar after the neck tension changes.
- 1
Start near standard tuning
Check that the current string pitches are known before making larger changes.
- 2
Follow the target sequence
Lower E to C, lower A to G, keep D, tune G to G, raise B to C, and keep the high E. The final low-to-high targets are C2 - G2 - C3 - G3 - C4 - E4.
- 3
Use the microphone tuner
Open the preset tuner, play one string at a time, and move the cents reading toward zero.
- 4
Recheck every string
Retuning changes total neck tension. Repeat the sequence until earlier strings no longer drift.
What Open C Tuning Is Used For
Fingerstyle, ambient guitar, cinematic voicings, folk, songwriting, and low C drones.
Wide C-major range
The lowest C2 and upper C4 create a broad two-octave foundation.
Fingerstyle arrangement
Let repeated C and G strings ring while moving melody against the open chord.
Ambient and cinematic textures
The tuning supports sustained drones and harmonics with fewer fretted notes.
Setup awareness
The lowest string drops substantially, so a suitable gauge improves definition and tuning stability.
Open C Tuning vs. Standard Guitar Tuning
The same guitar can use either setup, but open strings, tension, chord shapes, and usable drones change.
| Open C Tuning | Standard tuning | |
|---|---|---|
| Open strings | C2 - G2 - C3 - G3 - C4 - E4 | E2 - A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4 |
| How to change | Lower E to C, lower A to G, keep D, tune G to G, raise B to C, and keep the high E. | No retuning required |
| Character | A wide C major chord with a very low root, repeated fifths, and open upper chord tones. | Balanced and familiar across most styles |
| Best for | Fingerstyle, ambient guitar, cinematic voicings, folk, songwriting, and low C drones. | General chords, scales, lessons, and repertoire |
After a large tuning change, check string tension, fret buzz, intonation, and whether a different string gauge would suit a permanent setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in Open C Tuning?
From the lowest string to the highest, use C2 - G2 - C3 - G3 - C4 - E4.
How do I change from standard tuning?
Lower E to C, lower A to G, keep D, tune G to G, raise B to C, and keep the high E.
What is Open C Tuning best for?
Fingerstyle, ambient guitar, cinematic voicings, folk, songwriting, and low C drones.
Do I need different guitar strings?
Occasional moderate retuning usually works with an existing set. Permanent low or high tunings may need a different gauge and a setup for stable tension, action, and intonation.
Should I tune up or down to the target?
Approach the final note from slightly below when possible. This helps the string settle around the tuning-post tension instead of immediately slipping flat.
Can I use the tuner on a phone?
Yes. Open the preset tuner, allow microphone access, keep the phone near the guitar, and play one clear open string at a time.
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