THE TUNEGUITAR GUIDE
Understand Open C
One string rises while three fall
Open C is unusual among common open tunings because the B string rises to C while the bass strings fall. Follow the directions individually: E2 to C2, A2 to G2, D3 to C3, G3 unchanged, B3 to C4, E4 unchanged. Loosening every peg would miss the second-string target.
Three Cs, three different registers
The C notes sit at C2, C3 and C4 across strings 6, 4 and 2. The highest E4 is the major third, so its intonation has a clear effect on the complete open chord. Compare the C octaves first, then add the high E. This separates octave alignment from the perceived sweetness of the major third.
Specify the variant
Open C is a family name used for more than one string layout. This page means C G C G C E. Before following a fingering from another source, compare all six targets. If the source differs only on the top string, changing that target can still alter every chord that uses it. Store the full note sequence in a custom-profile name when trying a variant.
Your string-by-string route from standard
This is a comparison of target pitches, not a recommendation to use every tuning on every guitar. Start from the tuning your instrument actually has. Use the directions and the octave labels together.
| String | Start | Target | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | C2 | Lower 4 semitones |
| 5 | A2 | G2 | Lower 2 semitones |
| 4 | D3 | C3 | Lower 2 semitones |
| 3 | G3 | G3 | Keep this target |
| 2 | B3 | C4 | Raise 1 semitone |
| 1 | E4 | E4 | Keep this target |
Nearby tunings, compared by their actual notes
These are the three closest six-string presets by total semitone movement from this setup. The ranking describes target changes, not playing difficulty or physical suitability. A familiar name can hide a different middle-string layout.