Open C Tuning: A Resonant Foundation

This particular tuning, aptly named "Open C," transforms your guitar into a vibrant and deeply resonant instrument, perfectly suited for a rich, full sound. It's a classic choice for blues, folk, rock, and slide guitar, offering immediate harmonic gratification.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes C2 G2 C3 E3 G3 E4 from the lowest to the highest string. When strummed open, these notes collectively form a full and powerful C Major chord. This is achieved by doubling the root (C) at different octaves, the major third (E), and the perfect fifth (G). This arrangement creates a dense, harmonically rich sound.

• The 6th (low) and 4th strings provide the foundational C notes.
• The 5th and 2nd strings deliver the perfect fifth, G.
• The 3rd and 1st (high) strings contribute the major third, E.

This interval structure makes it incredibly intuitive for playing major chords across the fretboard. By simply barring a single finger across any fret, you instantly get another major chord. For example, a barre at the 5th fret yields an F Major, and at the 7th fret, a G Major. This characteristic makes it exceptionally popular for slide guitar, as the fundamental major chord is always at your fingertips.

Chordal Opportunities and Playability

• Open Chords: The most obvious is the magnificent C Major chord itself, which rings out with incredible fullness.
• Barre Chords: As mentioned, major chords are easily accessible by barring. Minor chords can be formed by fretting the 3rd string (E) down to Eb (1st fret) and/or the 1st string (E) down to Eb (3rd fret relative to open). This allows for easy transitions between major and minor tonalities.
• Drones and Riffs: The doubled notes and low C provide a strong foundation for drone-based music and powerful single-note riffs, especially in the lower register. The sympathetic resonance of the open strings adds a beautiful sustain to any played notes.
• Fingerstyle: The multiple instances of C, E, and G across different octaves open up rich possibilities for intricate fingerstyle arrangements, creating a wide sonic tapestry with a naturally full harmonic base.

The Open C tuning fosters a highly creative environment, encouraging players to explore new voicings and melodic ideas, especially those involving open string sympathetic resonance and expressive slide techniques.

Current Tuning Notes

• 6th String (Low E): C2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): G3
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune to Open C

To achieve the Open C tuning from standard EADGBe, you will need to adjust several strings significantly. Please pay close attention to the movements, as some require considerable detuning.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change in pitch. For optimal tone, tension, and string longevity, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change in pitch. For optimal tone, tension, and string longevity, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.