Open C Tuning: A Step-by-Step Guitar Guide
At StewMac, we’re passionate about all things guitar. Whether you're a pro or just getting started, we know how fun and rewarding it is to explore new ways to play. Open C tuning offers a fresh sound and opens the door to new musical possibilities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through tuning your guitar to Open C, just like Devin Townsend does in the video above, and share tips on how to make the most of it.
What is Open C Tuning?
Open C tuning is a game-changer when it comes to creating a unique, resonant sound. Unlike standard tuning, Open C tuning sets your guitar to a C major chord right out of the box, with the open strings ringing out beautifully. It’s a fantastic tuning for exploring new sounds, crafting songs, or just having fun.
Here’s how the strings are tuned in Open C (from low to high):
- C (6th string)
- G (5th string)
- C (4th string)
- G (3rd string)
- C (2nd string)
- E (1st string)
Open C gives you a rich, full sound that’s perfect for both electric and acoustic guitars. It’s particularly great for slide guitar, fingerpicking, and chord voicings that would be tricky in standard tuning.
How to Play in Open C Tuning: 7 Steps
Let’s jump in and get you tuned!
Step 1: Tune the Sixth String to C
Starting with the 6th string (the low E), you'll want to tune it down to a C.
- How to do it: Pluck the 6th (low E) string, slacken the peg until the pitch dips below C, then tighten gradually while plucking until your tuner reads C.
- Tip: Because Open C drops several strings a full step (or more), swap your regular set for a heavier or light-top/heavy-bottom set so the bass strings don’t go floppy.
- Electric: LT/HB sets like .010–.052 or .011–.054 keep the lows tight while the trebles stay bend-friendly.
- Acoustic: Try .012–.056 or .013–.057 LT/HB phosphor-bronze sets for balanced feel and volume.
- The extra mass on the wound strings preserves tension and intonation, letting the guitar stay in tune even after the big pitch drop of Open C.
Step 2: Tune the Fifth String to G
Now, move on to the 5th string (the A string), which needs to be tuned down a full step to G.
- How to do it: Loosen the 5th (A) string until it falls under G, then tighten up slowly until the tuner settles on G.
- Tip: Use a gentle hand here—go slowly so you don’t overshoot the pitch.
Step 3: Tune the Fourth String to C
For the 4th string (the D string), you’ll need to tune it down to C.
- How to do it: Lower the 4th (D) string beneath C, then creep back up until your tuner shows a stable C.
- Tip: This step helps create that deep, open sound that Open C is known for.
Step 4: Keep the Third String at G
The 3rd string (G string) doesn’t need to be adjusted—keep it at G.
- How to do it: If it’s already tuned to G, you’re good to go. No need to change it!
Step 5: Tune the Second String to C
Now, for the 2nd string (B string), you’ll need to tune it up a half step to C.
- How to do it: From its starting note (B), loosen just below B, then tighten until the tuner reads C (one half-step higher).
- Tip: Be careful when tuning up—this can create extra tension on the string, so make sure you do it slowly.
Step 6: Keep the First String at E
- The 1st string (high E string) stays the same in Open C tuning.
- How to do it: If it's in tune already, leave it as is.
Step 7: Double Check All Strings
Now that you’ve tuned all your strings, take a moment to double-check them. Here’s a quick recap:
- 6th string: C
- 5th string: G
- 4th string: C
- 3rd string: G
- 2nd string: C
- 1st string: E
Fine-tune any string if needed.
Why Use Open C Tuning?
If you’re tired of standard tuning and want to try something new, Open C is a great option. Here’s why:
- Instant C major chord: When you strum the open strings, you instantly get a C major chord without needing to press any frets. It’s a perfect starting point for creating simple progressions and getting creative with melodies.
- Resonant Sound: The tuning produces a deep, rich tone with lots of resonance, giving your guitar a full, open sound. It’s great for both electric and acoustic guitars.
- Simplicity for Songwriting: Open C makes it easier to form chords with fewer fingerings, freeing you up to experiment with rhythm, fingerpicking patterns, or even slide guitar.
Tips for Playing in Open C Tuning
- Embrace New Finger Positions: Open tunings like C require different fingerings for familiar chords. Spend some time practicing basic shapes and scales to get comfortable.
- Barre Chords Are Your Friend: One of the coolest things about Open C tuning is chord simplicity: a major barre chord is literally one finger—lay a single finger flat across all six strings at any fret and you’ve got a full, ringing major chord. Try experimenting with this to open up new harmonic possibilities.
- Use Open Strings for Drones: The open strings in Open C naturally create a drone-like effect, which adds richness to your playing. Incorporate this into your sound for an added layer of depth.
- Slide Guitar: Open tunings are perfect for slide guitar. Use a steel guitar slide to get smooth, gliding note transitions, and take advantage of the resonance created by the open strings.
Unlock a New World of Sound with Open C Tuning
Now that your guitar is tuned to Open C, you’ve unlocked a whole new world of sound. Whether you're using it for songwriting, experimenting with slide guitar, or simply exploring a new tuning, Open C opens up a range of possibilities for your music.
Video Transcription
[Devin is playing electric guitar fast with open C tuning]
Devin Townsend: Well, everybody loved guitar. We were making whammy bars in metal shop and throwing stars, but everybody wanted to learn how to play eruption. That was kind of the trip. I heard the song Friends on Led Zeppelin three. I liked it seemed like metaphysical or connected to the balls as opposed to the brain. And that song Friends, there was something about... It was acoustic and it was whole tone, and there was this eerie quality to it that really resonated with me as a child.
And so I tried to learn it in standard and I was like, "Jimmy Page is a God." And then someone's like, "No, it's an open C." I'm like, "Wow. Kind of shitty actually." Not that he's shitty. Not that he's shitty. Who would say such a thing? It's that it was easier to play in open tuning. And perhaps that's why I've ended up being in open tuning, to have less to think about while I'm playing and to just riff out was, at least in the interim when I was younger, of utmost importance. And that open tuning thing allowed me to get those voicings. And it's open C, C, G, C, G, C, E. And if not, it's lower. B, F sharp, B, F sharp, B, D sharp.
These are the strings that I use. Then when I start doing more lanky stuff, I realized that the real 11-gauge across the board was too stiff on the top strings. Somewhere along the line, somebody suggested using these, which is essentially like a 10 on the thin strings, and then 11 on the thick strings. In open C tuning, the tension of it is actually really reasonable. So here's my technical explanation. These, open C, right [Devin holds up a pack of D'Addario XL Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings (EXL 140s)? Bam.
