This is a rich and resonant Open C tuning, specifically designed to evoke an "ambient feel" with its wide voicings and unique double high C. When strummed open, it immediately produces a full C Major chord, making it an excellent choice for blues, folk, or slide guitar where a strong, consistent tonal center is desired. The unique characteristic of having both the 2nd and 1st strings tuned to C4 creates a shimmering, almost bell-like quality, adding brightness and sustain that contributes significantly to its ambient potential. This tuning is particularly forgiving for beginners looking to explore open tunings, as many basic chord shapes can be formed with minimal finger movement, often by simply barring across a single fret. Its inherent C Major resonance also makes it a great foundation for drone-based music or experimenting with modal playing.

Technical Analysis

This tuning for a Guitar is an adaptation of Open C. The notes from low to high are C2-G2-C3-E3-C4-C4.

Compared to a standard Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E), this variation introduces two significant changes:

• The 3rd string is tuned to E3 instead of G3, creating a root position C Major triad in the lower register (C2-G2-C3-E3).
• The 1st string is tuned to C4 instead of E4 (or E3 in standard open C), resulting in a double unison C4 on the two highest strings. This unison significantly boosts the presence of the root note in the higher octaves.

The open string intervals are as follows:

• 6th string (C2) to 5th string (G2): Perfect 5th
• 5th string (G2) to 4th string (C3): Perfect 4th
• 4th string (C3) to 3rd string (E3): Major 3rd
• 3rd string (E3) to 2nd string (C4): Major 6th
• 2nd string (C4) to 1st string (C4): Unison

The open tuning forms a complete C Major chord (C-G-C-E-C-C) across three octaves, providing a rich harmonic foundation. Common chord shapes across the open strings are inherently C Major. By barring across any fret, you can easily transpose this C Major chord to other keys (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret yields a D Major). The large interval between the 3rd and 2nd string (Major 6th) and the unison on the top two strings encourages unique melodic and harmonic approaches, particularly for arpeggiated patterns and sustained drones.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open C with Double High C (from Standard EADGBe)

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is often recommended to maintain string integrity and optimal tone.

String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. This is a significant drop, so proceed carefully.

String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.

String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.

String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.

String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4. This is a small adjustment upwards.

String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Like the 6th string, this is a notable drop, so adjust slowly.