What Is C Tuning

C tuning. C standard tuning is a type of guitar tuning. The strings of the guitar are tuned two whole steps lower than standard tuning.

The resulting notes can be described most commonly as C-F-A♯-D♯-G-C or C-F-B♭-E♭-G-C. This is not to be confused with C ♯ tuning, which is one and one half steps lower than standard tuning. [1] The tuning is commonly used by heavy metal and hard rock.

Learn how to tune your guitar to open C and start playing your favorite songs in open C tuning. Check out the lesson on open C tuning to grow your skills. A popular alternate tuning amongst guitarists, learning to play in Open C can unlock several melodic possibilities for you.

In this article, we will cover step-by-step how to tune to Open C, share the most common chord shapes in Open C, as well share with you a list of 57 awesome songs in open C tuning with lesson videos and tabs provided. Because of the large change in string tension with open C, we recommend getting your guitar set-up specifically for the tuning. If you tune to open C with your guitar set for standard, you will likely have tuning issues.

C standard tuning is a unique and creative avenue for guitarists, offering a deeper, heavier sound and broader guitar range. By lowering each string's pitch by two steps, it creates a lower tonal range and evocative resonance. Learn open C tuning with our comprehensive guide.

Master the C-G-C-G-C-E tuning in 7 steps, explore 25 famous songs, and solve common problems. Updated 2026. No, C tuning is a full step down across all strings, while Drop C involves tuning a standard guitar down a whole step and then dropping the low E string another step to C.

What is the benefit of C tuning? It allows players to add depth and darkness to their music, ideal for creating atmospheric and intense soundscapes. Tuning your guitar to C can give your sound a deeper, heavier edge, perfect for those who love playing metal and its subgenres. Whether you're jamming out to black metal or crafting intricate djent riffs, dropping your tuning a few steps can add a whole new dimension to your playing.

We'll break down how to tune your guitar to C, explore why you might want to do it, and share some tips to. Open C tuning is quite straightforward in terms of the theory behind it, but due to the fact that some of the strings are tuned quite low, you may have to make some adjustments to the guitar set-up so you don't affect the playability. Tuning to Open C allows you to play C major with all the strings open.

This creates new possibilities for playing specific guitar songs.