How do I tune my guitar to C standard?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on April 27, 2026
To get into open-C tuning, tune the low E string down two whole steps to C. Bring the A string down a whole step to G and the D string down a whole step to C. Leave the G string where it is, raise the B string half a step to C, and leave the high E string alone. From low to high, the tuning is: C G C G C E.
Is standard tuning in the key of C?
In other words, one could argue the guitar, when tuned to standard tuning, is in the Key of C Major, more specifically, in E Phrygian mode, the third mode of the C Major scale. With all that said, the guitar can be tuned in a variety of different ways in comparison to the piano.
What is C major tuning?
Open C tuning is an open tuning for guitar. The open-string notes form a C major chord, which is the triad (C,E,G) having the root note C, the major third (C,E), and the perfect fifth (C,G). When the guitar is strummed without fretting any strings, a C-major chord is sounded.
How do I tune Drop C to standard?
If you don’t have a tuner handy, you can tune to drop C by ear. Press down on the third fret of your A string to hear a C. Then, tune down your E string until the tone matches.
What is drop C tuning for guitar?
Drop C tuning is an alternative guitar tuning where at least one string has been lowered to a C, but most commonly refers to CGCFAD, which can be described as D tuning with a 6th string dropped to C, or drop D tuning transposed down a whole step.
What is C standard tuning bass?
C 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.
What is C sharp standard tuning?
C sharp (noted as C# in musical notation) tuning is a non-standard guitar tuning. It is a step and a half lower than standard tuning.
What is the standard guitar tuning?
Standard tuning defines the string pitches as E, A, D, G, B, and E, from lowest (low E2) to highest (high E4). Standard tuning is used by most guitarists, and frequently used tunings can be understood as variations on standard tuning. “Nonstandard” tunings are also called “alternative” or “alternate”.
What is dropped C tuning?
Drop C tuning. Drop C tuning is technically an alternative guitar tuning where at least one string has been lowered to a C, but most commonly refers to CGCFAD, which can be described as D tuning with a 6th string dropped to C, or drop D tuning transposed down a whole step. Because of its heavier tone, it is most commonly used in rock…
What is a drop C guitar tuning?
Drop C tuning is technically an alternative guitar tuning where at least one string has been lowered to a C, but most commonly refers to CGCFAD, which can be described as D tuning with a 6th string dropped to C, or drop D tuning transposed down a whole step.