What notes are in Open C tuning?

Open C tuning uses C-G-C-G-C-E from lowest to highest string. Starting from standard tuning, lower E to C, lower A to G, lower D to C, keep G, raise B to C, and keep the high E.

How do I tune a guitar to Open C from standard?

From standard E-A-D-G-B-E, tune the strings to C2, G2, C3, G3, C4, and E4. Lower the 6th string from E to C, lower the 5th string from A to G, lower the 4th string from D to C, keep the 3rd string at G, raise the 2nd string from B to C, and keep the 1st string at E.

Is Open C the same as CGCGCE tuning?

Yes. Open C and CGCGCE tuning refer to the same open-string notes: C-G-C-G-C-E from lowest to highest string.

Is Open C the same as C standard tuning?

No. Open C is C-G-C-G-C-E and forms a C major chord when strummed open. C standard keeps standard tuning intervals at C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C.

What string gauge works best for Open C?

Open C usually feels better with .012-.054 or light-medium acoustic strings because the 6th string drops all the way to C. If the low C buzzes or wobbles, use a heavier low string or set up one guitar for Open C.

What notes are in Open C tuning?

Open C tuning uses C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-E4 from lowest to highest string on guitar. Tune each string to those target notes, then double-check the low strings because they can drift after the neck tension changes.

What is Open C tuning best for?

Open C is especially useful for Open C tuning, Open C tuning guitar, Open C guitar tuner. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.

Is Open C tuning good for beginners?

Open C is an intermediate tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.

What songs use Open C tuning?

Popular examples in Open C include Bug by Alex G, Badfish by Sublime, Little Martha by The Allman Brothers Band. Use the song list on this page to filter by difficulty and pick a first practice target.

Back to Open C Tuner

Guitar

Songs in Open C Tuning

Tuning:

C2G2C3G3C4E4

Explore 8 songs in Open C tuning, including Bug, Badfish, and Little Martha. Tune C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-E4 first, then filter by difficulty, genre, artist, or year.

Song list

8 songs in Open C

Browse songs that use Open C tuning and compare them by artist, genre, year, and difficulty.

Beginner path

1 beginner-friendly songs

Start with the beginner-level songs, then move into more demanding rhythm or lead parts.

Genres

8 genres represented

Use the genre and search filters to find songs that match the style you want to practice.

Showing 8 of 8 songs

BeginnerSka Punk1992

Badfish

Sublime

Classic Open C progression with reggae-influenced strumming.

Perfect for open c practice

IntermediateIndie Rock2017

Bug

Alex G

Open C tuning creates a darker, more resonant sound perfect for indie rock.

Perfect for open c practice

IntermediateAlternative Rock1996

Burden in My Hand

Soundgarden

Chris Cornell's Open C showcase with haunting arpeggios and powerful dynamics.

Perfect for open c practice

AdvancedProgressive Metal2001

Kingdom

Devin Townsend

Wall-of-sound Open C tuning with massive layered guitars and orchestral dynamics.

Perfect for open c practice

IntermediateSouthern Rock1972

Little Martha

The Allman Brothers Band

Beautiful fingerpicked piece demonstrating Open C's melodic potential.

Perfect for open c practice

AdvancedAcoustic/World2004

Ocean

John Butler Trio

12-minute acoustic masterpiece in Open C featuring percussive slapping, harmonics, and fingerpicking.

Perfect for open c practice

IntermediateGrunge1996

Pretty Noose

Soundgarden

Heavy Open C riffing with Cornell's signature vocal melodies and dissonant chord voicings.

Perfect for open c practice

AdvancedBlues2002

Thorn Tree in the Garden

Derek Trucks

Slide guitar masterpiece in Open C showcasing advanced techniques.

Perfect for open c practice

In tune. Now learn a song.

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Open C Songs FAQ

What are popular songs in Open C tuning?

Popular Open C songs include Bug, Badfish, Little Martha, and Thorn Tree in the Garden. Use the filters on this page to sort by difficulty, genre, artist, or year.

What tuning do I need for Open C songs?

Tune from low to high as C2-G2-C3-G3-C4-E4. Use the Open C tuner before practicing so the song examples match the intended chord shapes and open-string sound.

How should I practice songs in Open C?

Start with beginner songs, listen for how the open strings ring, then move into intermediate and advanced examples. Recheck tuning between songs, especially if several strings moved far from standard tuning.

Ready to tune your guitar to Open C?

Use our free online tuner to get your guitar perfectly tuned to Open Cand start playing these amazing songs.

Tune to Open C