The 'Open C5' tuning is a powerful and resonant setup for the guitar, primarily used to achieve a heavy, driving sound. As indicated by its use by bands like Fair to Midland, it's particularly suited for aggressive riffs, intricate melodic lines, and a full, rich texture when strummed openly. This tuning offers a massive low end and a unique harmonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this tuning configures the guitar to C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-C4. This arrangement effectively forms a C5 power chord across all open strings (C and G notes). The intervals create a strong, unambiguous harmonic foundation: perfect fifths and fourths dominate, leading to a very stable and powerful sound. The lowest three strings (C2-G2-C3) establish a strong low C power chord. The unison C4 on the top two strings (strings 1 and 2) is a distinctive feature, providing unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for easy octave playing and creating a full, bright top end.

Open Chords and Accessibility

With all strings open, the guitar produces a robust C5 chord, which can be easily moved up and down the neck by barring. This makes playing power chords extremely straightforward, requiring minimal finger movement. For example, simply barring all strings at the 5th fret will yield an F5 power chord, and at the 7th fret, a G5 power chord. The consistent C and G notes across the strings make it easy to craft powerful, droning riffs. The unison C notes on the highest strings also facilitate playing melodic lines that reinforce the root note or create interesting drone effects against the lower strings. This tuning is excellent for rhythm guitarists looking for a big, wall-of-sound effect, as well as for lead players who can exploit the consistent intervals and unison notes for unique phrasing.

The description also notes that it can be tuned down a half step to BF#BF#BB, maintaining the same intervallic relationships but shifting the overall key. This demonstrates the versatility of the tuning for different vocal ranges or desired tonal qualities.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E): C2
• String 5 (A): G2
• String 4 (D): C3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): C4
• String 1 (High E): C4

How to Tune to Open C5

To achieve the Open C5 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• 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): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.