# Open C Tuning: A Resonant Alternate World

> Explore open C tuning on guitar - CGCGCE. How to tune, chord shapes, songs, and why this resonant tuning is perfect for emotional, atmospheric guitar.

Source: https://guitarwiz.app/articles/open-c-tuning

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)
```
e|---5---|
B|---5---|
G|---5---|
D|---5---|
A|---5---|
E|---5---|
```
Full barre at the 5th fret = F major.

### G Major (Barre at 7th fret)
```
e|---7---|
B|---7---|
G|---7---|
D|---7---|
A|---7---|
E|---7---|
```

### Am
```
e|---0---|
B|---1---|
G|---2---|
D|---2---|
A|---0---|
E|---0---|
```

### Em
```
e|---0---|
B|---0---|
G|---0---|
D|---0---|
A|---x---|
E|---4---|
```

## 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](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6740015002?pt=643962&ct=article-open-c&mt=8) · [Explore the Guitar Tuner →](/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.