Acoustic Strings

What is Open C tuning?

Q: What is Open C tuning?

Open C tuning is C G C G C E, low to high, forming a C major chord on the open strings. From standard, you lower the 6th, 5th and 4th strings and raise the 2nd string a half step, leaving the 3rd and 1st strings as they are. The low C sits two whole steps below standard E, so a heavier bottom string keeps it from feeling loose. Open C has a deep, resonant sound that suits fingerstyle acoustic and slide. It's a big change from standard, especially on the lowest string.How to tune from standard:Lower the 6th string from E down two whole steps to C.Lower the 5th string from A down a whole step to G.Lower the 4th string from D down a whole step to C.Leave the 3rd string at G.Raise the 2nd string from B up a half step to C.Leave the 1st string at E, then retune all strings.Choosing strings:Acoustic: a heavier set holds the low C better. Our P1356 Medium or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze keep the bass strings firm.Electric: S1052 Heavy Bottom or S1156 Heavier Bottom in Power Wound Nickel add weight to the low strings while keeping the top easy.After tuning down this far, the low strings may buzz. A little extra relief or a heavier gauge usually fixes it.

Quick Answer

Open C tuning is C G C G C E, low to high, forming a C major chord on the open strings. From standard, you lower the 6th, 5th and 4th strings and raise the 2nd string a half step, leaving the 3rd and 1st strings as they are. The low C sits two whole steps below standard E, so a heavier bottom string keeps it from feeling loose.

Open C has a deep, resonant sound that suits fingerstyle acoustic and slide. It's a big change from standard, especially on the lowest string.

How to tune from standard:

Lower the 6th string from E down two whole steps to C.
Lower the 5th string from A down a whole step to G.
Lower the 4th string from D down a whole step to C.
Leave the 3rd string at G.
Raise the 2nd string from B up a half step to C.
Leave the 1st string at E, then retune all strings.

Choosing strings:

Acoustic: a heavier set holds the low C better. Our P1356 Medium or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze keep the bass strings firm.
Electric: S1052 Heavy Bottom or S1156 Heavier Bottom in Power Wound Nickel add weight to the low strings while keeping the top easy.

After tuning down this far, the low strings may buzz. A little extra relief or a heavier gauge usually fixes it.

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