Open C Tuner
This open C tuner listens through your microphone and shows how far each string is from C G C G C E, the notes of open C from the 6th string to the 1st. Press start, allow the microphone, and pluck one string at a time. The tuner names the string it heard, shows the cents you are off, and tells you which way to turn the peg.
Open C strums as a C chord with no fingers on the fretboard, which makes it a favourite for slide playing and full, ringing chords. Four strings change from standard: three go down and the 2nd string goes up one semitone. Watch that 2nd string, because tuning it up is the one place where a string can snap if you rush.
The notes of this tuning
| String | Standard | This tuning | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | C | −4 |
| 5 | A | G | −2 |
| 4 | D | C | −2 |
| 3 | G | G | No change |
| 2 | B | C | +1 |
| 1 | E | E | No change |
How to tune from standard
- Begin in standard tuning. Loosen the 6th string four semitones, from E to C.
- Loosen the 5th string two semitones, from A to G.
- Loosen the 4th string two semitones, from D to C.
- Tighten the 2nd string one semitone, from B to C, turning slowly and stopping at the first C the tuner shows.
- Leave the 3rd and 1st strings as they are, then strum the open strings and check each one again.
Frequently asked questions
What is open C tuning?
Open C tunes the open strings to a C major chord: C G C G C E from the 6th string to the 1st. Strumming all six strings with nothing fretted gives you a full C chord, so barre chords and slides become simple. The 2nd string is the only one that goes up, from B to C.
Which strings change for open C?
The 6th, 5th, 4th and 2nd. The 6th string drops four semitones to C, the 5th and 4th drop two semitones to G and C, and the 2nd string rises one semitone, from B to C. The 3rd and 1st strings keep their standard notes, G and E.
Do I need special strings for open C?
Not special ones; the moves are small. The 6th string drops four semitones, so if it feels floppy or buzzes, a slightly heavier low string helps. The real caution is the 2nd string, which tightens up one semitone: turn it slowly, and if it feels very stiff before reaching C, check that you are not overshooting.