Ballad of Big Nothing
Required String Notes:C - G - C - E - G - C
Tune to Open C Major (CGCEGC)How to Tune from Standard to Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Ballad of Big Nothing”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Ballad of Big Nothing" by Elliott Smith is played in Open C Major (CGCEGC) (C - G - C - E - G - C). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Elliott Smith uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Already tuned to C - G - C - E - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)20 songs
C#G#C#FG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.CGCFGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 3 differs: F instead of E.CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 3 differs: G instead of E.Elliott Smith’s Guitar Tunings
Elliott Smith plays 5 of 11 songs in our catalog in Open C Major (CGCEGC). Most-used tunings:
- Open C Major (CGCEGC)C - G - C - E - G - C5 songs
Gear for Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Ballad of Big Nothing" in Open C Major (CGCEGC) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Ballad of Big Nothing” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Ballad of Big Nothing" by Elliott Smith in?
"Ballad of Big Nothing" is played in Open C Major (CGCEGC): C - G - C - E - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Ballad of Big Nothing"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).
What string gauge should I use for Open C Major (CGCEGC)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Elliott Smith songs use this tuning?
"D", "Independence Day", "See You Later", "Speed Trials" — all in C - G - C - E - G - C, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Elliott Smith
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Elliott Smith:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Once tuned to C - G - C - E - G - C, try playing these tracks next: