Standard tuning is the bedrock for many guitarists, but venturing into alternate tunings unlocks a universe of sonic possibilities. Among these, Guitar Open C Tuning stands out for its rich, resonant character and its ability to inspire unique songwriting approaches. If you’re looking to expand your guitar vocabulary and discover new musical territories, open C tuning is an excellent place to start.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of open C tuning. We’ll explain what it is, why it’s beneficial, how to achieve it on your guitar, and even explore some famous songs that utilize this captivating tuning. Get ready to retune your perspective and your strings!
Unpacking Guitar Open C Tuning
When you strum your guitar with open strings in guitar open C tuning, you’ll hear a beautiful, full C major chord ringing out. This is the defining characteristic of open tunings – they are designed to create a chord simply by strumming across all strings without fretting any notes. This inherent sonority is a primary reason why guitarists are drawn to alternate tunings like open C.
Beyond its inherent richness, guitar open C tuning offers a fresh canvas for songwriters. It encourages experimentation with different chord voicings and melodic ideas that might not naturally emerge in standard tuning. Many renowned guitarists have embraced open C tuning to carve out their signature sounds and compose iconic songs. Think of Led Zeppelin’s evocative “Friends” or Soundgarden’s powerful “A Thousand Days Before”; both owe their unique textures in part to open C tuning.
While its robust sound lends itself well to genres across the board, guitar open C tuning is particularly favored by acoustic guitarists. The tuning’s depth and resonance amplify the natural warmth of acoustic instruments, creating a captivating sonic landscape.
However, tuning down several strings in guitar open C tuning can sometimes lead to fret buzz. This occurs because the strings, now at a lower tension, may vibrate more broadly and strike the fretboard. If you find fret buzz becoming an issue when playing in open C, here are a few solutions:
- Switch to heavier gauge strings: Thicker strings maintain higher tension even when tuned down, reducing excessive vibration.
- Increase your guitar’s action: Raising the string height slightly creates more clearance between the strings and frets, minimizing contact.
- Adjust the truss rod: A subtle truss rod adjustment can sometimes optimize neck relief for lower tunings.
If you are unfamiliar with these adjustments, it’s always best to consult a qualified guitar technician at your local music store for professional setup.
Tuning Your Guitar to Open C: A Step-by-Step Lesson
Guitar open C tuning involves altering the pitch of four out of the six strings compared to standard tuning. Let’s visualize the difference:
In standard guitar tuning, the strings are tuned (from lowest to highest) to:
- E
- A
- D
- G
- B
- E
To achieve guitar open C tuning, we adjust the strings as follows:
- Low E string to C: Lowered by two whole steps.
- A string to G: Lowered by one whole step.
- D string to C: Lowered by one whole step.
- G string: Remains the same.
- B string to C: Raised by one half step.
- High E string: Remains the same.
Therefore, guitar open C tuning from lowest to highest string is:
- C
- G
- C
- G
- C
- E
Here’s a practical guide to tuning your guitar to open C:
- Start with the low E string: Pluck the string and turn the tuning peg clockwise (towards you) to lower the pitch. Tune down two whole steps to C. Listen carefully or use a tuner to ensure accuracy.
- Tune the A string: Pluck the A string and tune it down one whole step to G.
- Tune the D string: Pluck the D string and tune it down one whole step to C.
- B string adjustment: Pluck the B string and carefully tune it up by a half step to C. This is a subtle adjustment, so listen attentively.
- Leave G and high E strings unchanged: These strings remain in standard tuning.
Pro Tip: Utilize online guitar tuners like the Fender Online Guitar Tuner (available for both electric and acoustic guitars, and as a mobile app) for precise tuning. These tools often include presets for open C and other alternate tunings.
If you prefer tuning by ear, you can match pitches between strings. For instance, to tune your low E string to C, fret the B string at the first fret (which is a C note) and tune your low E string down until it matches the pitch. Be mindful that the C note on the B string’s first fret will be in a higher octave than the target C for your low E string.
Songs to Explore in Open C Tuning
Getting accustomed to guitar open C tuning can feel different initially, especially when playing familiar chords. A great way to internalize this new tuning is by learning songs specifically written in open C. Here are a couple of examples to get you started:
“King of Spain” by The Tallest Man on Earth
“King of Spain” by The Tallest Man on Earth beautifully illustrates how guitar open C tuning can enrich a seemingly simple song structure. This track, typically played with a capo on the 8th fret in open C, showcases how alternate tunings can inject unique character even into basic strumming patterns.
The result is an uplifting and bright sonic texture that perfectly complements Kristian Matsson’s distinctive, raspy vocal style. The song’s minimalist arrangement of acoustic guitar and vocals is elevated by the captivating tonalities achieved through open C tuning, making it a truly engaging listen.
“The Fear” by Ben Howard
Ben Howard’s “The Fear,” from his album “Every Kingdom,” provides another compelling example of guitar open C tuning in action. This song masterfully utilizes the tuning to create a dynamic soundscape, starting with quiet, intricate fingerpicking and vocals that gradually build in intensity with the introduction of drums and amplified dynamics.
Howard’s smooth, emotive voice harmonizes exquisitely with the full, resonant sound of open C tuning, demonstrating the tuning’s versatility in creating both intimate and expansive musical moments.
Expand Your Guitaristic Horizons
Exploring alternate tunings like guitar open C tuning can be a rewarding journey for guitarists of all levels. While it may present an initial challenge, experimenting with different tunings broadens your musical understanding and unveils new avenues for chord voicings and emotional expression. Practice and exploration are key to mastering open C and other alternate tunings such as open E or open A. Embrace the adventure, and you’ll discover a wealth of new sounds within your guitar.
