Open C tuning may be the most fun you will have with an alternate tuning. The single finger chord shapes and intuitive major scale patterns makes this tuning super easy to learn. Before you know it, you will be lost in your own groove just jamming away.
Open C tuning is exactly what it sounds like. When you play all of the strings open (without pressing them against a fret) they will play a C chord. The strings are tuned, from low to high, C-G-C-G-C-E. Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e. Additionally, you can play other open chords by barring a single finger across all six strings on the same fret
Open C Tuning And Chords
Like we said above, this tuning is a blast. While writing this post I completely lost track of time just having fun playing with this tuning.
This tuning lends itself to improvisation and intuitive exploration of the neck and fretboard. This lesson today will focus on how to tune to open C, how to play several chords, as well as the C major scale to get you started.
Let's get to it!
What is Open C Tuning?
Open C tuning is when you retune a standard guitar tuned to E - A - D - G - B - e, to C - G - C - G - C - e. However, there are actually a few different tunings that can be considered Open C. The one listed above is the most commonly used. It uses all the notes of a C chord, C (I), E (III), and G (V).
There is a 5 chord variant which switches out the C (I) note on the B string with a G (V) note. It looks like this:
- C (I)
- G (V)
- C (I)
- G (V)
- G (V)
- e (III)
You can also swap the B and high e string notes around from C and E to E and C and the A and D strings from G and C to C and G. This will give your tuning the root note 4 different times, giving your chords a nice sounding overtone. It looks like this:
- C (I)
- C (I)
- G (V)
- C (I)
- E (III)
- C (I)
Here is a quick list of variations in Open C Tuning
| Standard | C5 Version | Overtones |
| C - G - C - G - C - e | C - G - C - G - G - e | C - C - G - C - E - C |
How To Tune Your Guitar To Open C Tuning
We mentioned a few variations of Open C above but for the rest of this lesson we will assume you are using the standard form of C - G - C - G - C - e.
This tuning can take a little bit of time to get your guitar used to the lack of tension in some of your strings. You will retune four out of six stings, altogether. To tune to Open C you will need to change the:
- low E down to C
- A down to G
- D down to C
- G will remain the same
- B up to C
- high e will remain the same
When you are tuned correctly, strumming the strings open will make a C chord.
Why Use This Tuning?
There are plenty of reasons to try out this, or any, alternate tuning (like Open G, Open D, and DADGAD). Let's talk about the two most important reasons we think you should use this tuning.
Get Out Of A Rut
It happens to us all. We get into a rut playing the same things over and over again. We stop thinking about what we're playing, switch into autopilot, and let our muscle memory take over. This can end up in a lot of boring practice time.
But, by switching to an alternate tuning your kind of give your brain and creative side of your brain a kickstart. When the strings are all tuned differently from what you are used to, you have to reexamine the fretboard and start thinking about what and where you are playing.
This can lead to some great moments of creativity while you learn to play your guitar again.
It's simple
It's seriously not hard to play with open C tuning at all. The actual retuning of your guitar is more difficult than playing major chords. You literally just need a single finger to play any major chord. And since open C lends itself to songs in the key of C, you can get right to playing.
Multiple Note Locations
When you're playing around with scales, having the same note repeated so many times in so many different places gives you a cool opportunity to really explore your guitar's soundscape.
If you are not totally comfortable playing lead yet, this tuning can help you find your groove because it's almost impossible to hit a wrong note. You can start playing how you feel instead of what you're thinking.
Open C Chords
Chord charts are what you came here for, right? Well, look no further because they are right here!
We made charts for some of the more common and fun chords you can start using right away. You will find charts for Major, 7th, Minor, Minor 7th, sus2, and sus4 chords below.
Have fun!
Single Finger Open C Major Chords
You won't find an easier way to play your basic "cowboy chords" All you need is a single finger and the ability to play a barre chord.
Open C Minor Chords
Open C 7th Chords
Open C Minor 7th Chords
Open C sus2 Chords
Open C sus4 Chords
Songs That Use Open C Tuning
There are several songs you may already know written in open C tuning. Here are a few examples.
Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
King of Spain by The Tallest Man on Earth
The Fear by Ben Howard
Townshend Shuffle by William Ackerman
Mississippi John Hurt Tribute by John Fahey
Friends by Led Zeppelin
A lot of Devin Townshend music
C5 Version (C-G-C-G-G-E)
Pretty Noose by Soundgarden
Burden in My Hand by Soundgarden
Head Down by Soundgarden
Overtones (C-C-G-C-E-C)
Can't Get Enough by Bad Company
Movin' On by Bad Company
Final Word
Open C tuning is a blast to play around with. Because you can play major chords with a single barre, it makes this alternate tuning very approachable. Play around with it and see what you can come up with on your own.
Time to get back to playing!
