Tune Your Guitar to Open C: A Comprehensive Guide

Standard tuning is the foundation for most guitarists, but venturing into alternate tunings can unlock new sonic landscapes and inspire your songwriting. Open tunings, in particular, offer a unique approach to playing and composing. Among these, Open C tuning stands out for its rich, full sound and versatility across genres.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of Open C tuning. You’ll learn what it is, why it’s beneficial, and, most importantly, how to tune your guitar to Open C. We’ll also explore some well-known songs that utilize this tuning to spark your musical creativity.

What is Open C Tuning and Why Use It?

Open C tuning is an alternate guitar tuning where strumming all six strings without fretting produces a C major chord. This is achieved by altering the pitch of several strings from standard tuning, resulting in a tuning that resonates with a powerful and resonant character.

The main appeal of Open C tuning lies in its ability to create a big, expansive sound that differs significantly from standard tuning. This unique tonality is a major draw for musicians seeking fresh sonic textures.

Beyond the distinctive sound, Open C tuning is a fantastic tool for songwriters. It opens up new chord voicings and harmonic possibilities, encouraging experimentation and leading to unexpected musical ideas. Many renowned guitarists have embraced Open C tuning to craft some of their most iconic songs. Led Zeppelin’s “Friends” and Soundgarden’s “A Thousand Days Before” are prime examples of how Open C tuning can shape memorable and impactful music.

While Open C has found its place in genres like hard rock, it is especially favored by acoustic guitarists. The tuning’s inherent richness and depth complement the acoustic nature of the instrument, creating a captivating listening experience.

A common consideration when tuning down, as is the case with Open C, is fret buzz. Lowering the string tension can sometimes cause the strings to vibrate against the frets. If you encounter fret buzz in Open C tuning, here are a few solutions:

Use heavier gauge strings: Thicker strings have more tension and are less prone to buzzing.
Increase the guitar’s action: Raising the string height above the fretboard provides more clearance, reducing buzz.
Adjust the truss rod: Subtle adjustments to the truss rod, the metal rod inside the guitar neck, can sometimes alleviate fret buzz.

If you’re unfamiliar with these adjustments, seeking assistance from a qualified guitar technician at your local music store is always a wise option.

Tuning Your Guitar to Open C: Step-by-Step

Tuning to Open C involves altering four out of the six strings from standard tuning. Let’s break down the changes:

In standard guitar tuning, the strings are tuned to:

E (lowest string – 6th string)
A (5th string)
D (4th string)
G (3rd string)
B (2nd string)
E (highest string – 1st string)

For Open C tuning, the adjustments are as follows:

6th String (Low E): Tune down two whole steps to C.
5th String (A): Tune down one whole step to G.
4th String (D): Tune down one whole step to C.
3rd String (G): Stays the same – G.
2nd String (B): Tune up a half step to C.
1st String (High E): Stays the same – E.

This results in the Open C tuning: C-G-C-G-C-E.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your guitar into Open C:

Start with the Low E String (6th string): Pluck the 6th string. Turn the tuning peg (the tuning key for the lowest string) clockwise, towards you, to lower the pitch. Tune down two whole steps from E to C. Use a tuner or reference pitch to ensure accuracy.
Tune the A String (5th string): Pluck the 5th string. Turn its tuning peg to decrease the pitch from A to G, a whole step down.
Tune the D String (4th string): Pluck the 4th string and tune it down a whole step from D to C.
G String (3rd string): No tuning adjustment is needed for the G string; it remains the same.
Tune the B String (2nd string): Pluck the 2nd string. This is the only string that needs to be tuned up. Turn the tuning peg counter-clockwise, away from you, to raise the pitch from B to C, a half step up.
High E String (1st string): The high E string remains in standard tuning, no adjustment needed.

Pro Tuning Tips:

Utilize an Online Tuner: For precise tuning, online guitar tuners are invaluable. Fender offers excellent free online tuners for both electric and acoustic guitars. These tuners can be set to Open C and other alternate tunings, simplifying the process. Explore the Electric Guitar Online Guitar Tuner or the Acoustic Guitar Online Tuner. Mobile apps are also available for tuning on the go.
Tune by Ear: If you prefer tuning by ear, you can use reference notes. For example, to tune your low E string down to C, fret the B string (2nd string) at the first fret – this produces a C note. Match the pitch of your 6th string to this C note by adjusting the tuning peg. Remember that the C note on the 6th string will be in a lower octave than the C on the 2nd string, 1st fret.
Address Fret Buzz: As mentioned earlier, if you encounter fret buzz after tuning to Open C, consider using heavier gauge strings, adjusting the guitar’s action, or consulting a guitar tech for truss rod adjustments.

Unleashing Creativity: Benefits of Open C Tuning

Open C tuning is more than just a different set of notes; it’s a gateway to new musical possibilities. Here are some key advantages:

Songwriting Catalyst: Alternate tunings like Open C can break you out of musical ruts. The altered string relationships inspire new chord progressions and melodies, leading to unique and original song ideas.
Rich and Full Sound: Open C tuning creates a naturally resonant and full sound, particularly well-suited for acoustic guitar. This richness can add depth and emotion to your playing, making even simple chord progressions sound captivating.
Simplified Chord Shapes: In Open C, barre chords become incredibly easy to play. Since strumming open strings creates a C chord, many common chords are formed by simply barring across the fretboard. This simplified approach can speed up your learning process and allow you to focus on musical expression.
Genre Versatility: While favored in acoustic and rock music, Open C’s versatility extends across genres. From folk and blues to experimental and alternative music, its unique sonic character can enhance a wide range of musical styles.

Songs to Explore in Open C Tuning

Learning songs in Open C tuning is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the tuning and discover its musical potential. Here are a couple of examples to get you started:

“King of Spain” by The Tallest Man on Earth: This song exemplifies how Open C tuning can add depth to simple acoustic arrangements. The uplifting and bright quality of Open C, combined with a capo on the 8th fret, creates a distinctive and memorable sound that complements the artist’s vocals.
“The Fear” by Ben Howard: “The Fear” showcases the dynamic range achievable with Open C tuning. Starting with quiet, fingerpicked sections, the song builds in intensity, utilizing the full resonance of the tuning to create a powerful and emotive musical journey. Ben Howard’s vocal style blends seamlessly with the open and spacious sound of the Open C tuning.

Explore Further with Fender Play

Experimenting with alternate tunings like Open C is an exciting step in your guitar journey, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player. It expands your musical horizons and opens doors to new creative avenues. Mastering Open C, along with other alternate tunings like Open E or Open D, will significantly enhance your understanding of the guitar and musical expression.

Take your exploration further with a free trial of Fender Play for more lessons, song tutorials, and techniques to elevate your guitar playing.