Standard tuning is the bedrock for most guitarists, but venturing into alternate tunings can open up exciting new sonic landscapes. For songwriters and musicians looking to expand their guitar’s range and experiment with fresh sounds, alternate tunings are invaluable. Open C tuning is one such alternate tuning that offers a rich, full sound and inspires creativity. While it might seem daunting initially, especially for beginners, exploring tunings like open C enhances your musical understanding and can lead to unique compositions.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of open C tuning. You’ll learn exactly how to tune your guitar to open C, understand the advantages of using alternate tunings, and discover popular songs that utilize this tuning, providing you with practical examples to inspire your playing.
What is Open C Tuning and Why Use It?
Open C tuning transforms your guitar so that strumming all open strings produces a C major chord. This tuning is known for creating a resonant, expansive sound, a primary reason many guitarists are drawn to it. Stepping away from standard tuning unlocks a realm of sonic possibilities, especially beneficial for songwriting. Alternate tunings like open C can inspire new chord voicings and melodic ideas, pushing you beyond familiar patterns.
Many renowned guitarists across genres have embraced open C tuning to craft iconic songs. Led Zeppelin’s “Friends” and Soundgarden’s “A Thousand Days Before” are prime examples of how open C tuning has been used in rock music to create distinctive and powerful sounds.
While open C has found its place in hard rock, it’s particularly favored by acoustic guitarists due to its naturally full and warm tone. The resonance and depth it provides are exceptionally well-suited to acoustic instruments, enhancing their inherent qualities.
However, tuning to open C, which involves lowering several strings, can sometimes lead to fret buzz. This occurs because the reduced string tension can cause the strings to vibrate more broadly and potentially hit the frets. If you intend to play frequently in open C, several solutions can mitigate fret buzz:
- Use Heavier Gauge Strings: Thicker strings have greater tension at the same pitch, reducing excessive vibration.
- Raise the Guitar’s Action: Increasing the distance between the strings and the fretboard gives the strings more room to vibrate freely without hitting the frets.
- Adjust the Truss Rod: The truss rod within the guitar neck controls its curvature. Minor adjustments with an Allen wrench can sometimes alleviate fret buzz.
If you’re unfamiliar with these adjustments, it’s always advisable to seek assistance from a qualified guitar technician at your local music store. They can expertly set up your guitar for optimal playability in open C tuning.
Lesson: Tuning Your Guitar to Open C
Open C tuning involves altering the pitch of most strings from standard tuning, leaving only two unchanged. Let’s break down the differences between standard EADGBE tuning and open C tuning (CGCGCE):
In standard tuning, the strings are tuned to:
- E (6th string, lowest)
- A (5th string)
- D (4th string)
- G (3rd string)
- B (2nd string)
- E (1st string, highest)
To achieve open C tuning, you’ll adjust the following strings:
- Low E string (6th string): Tune down two whole steps to C.
- A string (5th string): Tune down one whole step to G.
- D string (4th string): Tune down one whole step to C.
- G string (3rd string): Remains the same.
- B string (2nd string): Tune up a half step to C.
- High E string (1st string): Remains the same.
Therefore, in Open C tuning, the strings are tuned to:
- C (6th string, tuned down from E)
- G (5th string, tuned down from A)
- C (4th string, tuned down from D)
- G (3rd string, standard tuning)
- C (2nd string, tuned up from B)
- E (1st string, standard tuning)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to tuning your guitar to open C:
- Start with the Low E String (6th string): Pluck the thickest string (low E). Turn the tuning peg for this string clockwise (usually towards you) to lower the pitch. Tune it down two whole steps until it reaches a C note. Listen carefully and compare to a C note if possible.
- Tune the A String (5th string): Pluck the A string. Tune it down one whole step to G. Turn the tuning peg clockwise to lower the pitch until you hear a G note.
- Tune the D String (4th string): Pluck the D string. Tune it down one whole step to C. Again, turn the tuning peg clockwise to lower the pitch until you reach a C note.
- G String (3rd string): Leave this string as it is, tuned to G.
- Tune the B String (2nd string): Pluck the B string. This is the only string you’ll tune up. Turn the tuning peg counter-clockwise (usually away from you) to raise the pitch by a half step until it reaches a C note.
- High E String (1st string): Leave this thinnest string as it is, tuned to E.
Pro Tip: Utilize a reliable guitar tuner to ensure accurate tuning. The Fender Online Guitar Tuner (available for both electric and acoustic guitars) is a fantastic resource, offering web and app versions with alternate tuning presets, including Open C. If you prefer tuning by ear, you can match pitches between strings. For instance, to tune your low E string down to C, fret the B string (2nd string) at the first fret – this produces a C note. Adjust the low E string’s tuning peg until its pitch matches the fretted B string. Remember the C note on the B string will be in a higher octave, so listen for the correct note quality.
Songs to Explore in Open C Tuning
Initially, familiar chords might sound different or challenging in open C tuning. The best way to acclimate yourself is to learn songs specifically written in this tuning. Here are a couple of songs to get you started and inspire your exploration:
“King of Spain” by The Tallest Man on Earth
“King of Spain” by Swedish singer-songwriter The Tallest Man on Earth (Kristian Matsson) beautifully demonstrates how alternate tunings can enrich simple songs. This track is played in open C tuning with a capo placed on the 8th fret. The capo effectively raises the pitch and changes the key while retaining the open C fingerings.
The result is a bright, uplifting sound that perfectly complements Matsson’s distinctive, raspy vocal style. The song’s minimalist arrangement, featuring primarily acoustic guitar and vocals, is elevated by the unique tonal colors achieved through open C tuning, transforming a potentially straightforward song into a captivating listening experience.
“The Fear” by Ben Howard
“The Fear” by British singer-songwriter Ben Howard, from his album Every Kingdom, showcases another facet of open C tuning. Howard uses open C to create a song that begins subtly with delicate fingerpicking and hushed vocals, gradually building in intensity. As the song progresses, drums enter, and the dynamics swell, demonstrating the versatility of open C in creating both intimate and expansive soundscapes.
Ben Howard’s smooth, emotive voice harmonizes beautifully with the rich, resonant quality of open C tuning. The tuning contributes to the song’s emotional depth, enhancing its dynamic shifts and creating a powerful listening experience.
Expand Your Musical Horizons with Alternate Tunings
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced guitarist, alternate tunings like open C present exciting challenges and rewards. They broaden your musical palette, reveal new ways to approach chords and melodies, and can significantly influence the emotional tone of your music. Mastering open C tuning, along with other alternate tunings such as open E or open A, is a valuable step in your guitar playing journey. Continue your exploration of guitar tunings and techniques with a free trial at Fender Play for structured lessons and further musical inspiration.
