The "Open C - US" tuning for Guitar, notably popularized by artists such as Bon Iver for his iconic track "Skinny Love," offers a rich, resonant, and deeply textured sonic landscape. Submitted by Mehdi, this tuning provides a unique foundation for songwriting and performance, as evidenced by its use in highly acclaimed works.

Tuning Analysis

This Open C tuning is built upon a powerful and full C Major chord (C-G-E-G-C-C) when all strings are strummed open. The low C (C2) provides a deep, foundational bass, while the multiple octaves and doubled root (C) and fifth (G) across the strings create an exceptionally rich and harmonically complete sound. This configuration is particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, drone-like textures, and expressive fingerstyle playing, allowing for expansive voicings and a broad harmonic palette. Because the open strings form a C Major triad, many chords become readily accessible through simple barring techniques, immediately yielding other major chords, and minor chords are often within easy reach by adjusting just one or two notes.

Technically, the tuning from the lowest to the highest string is C2-G2-E3-G3-C4-C4. The intervals relative to the lowest C are: a perfect fifth (G), a major third (E), a perfect fifth (G), an octave (C), and an octave (C). This arrangement emphasizes the fundamental harmonic structure of a C Major chord, giving it a strong, clear, and resonant quality.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open C - US

To set your guitar to the "Open C - US" tuning, carefully adjust each string from standard EADGBe as follows:

• Low E String (6th String): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone, and to prevent excessive floppiness.)
• A String (5th String): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• D String (4th String): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• G String (3rd String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at G3.
• B String (2nd String): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• High E String (1st String): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone, and to prevent excessive floppiness.)

String 6: C2

String 5: G2

String 4: E3

String 3: G3

String 2: C4

String 1: C4