Sunflower River Blues
Required String Notes:C - G - C - G - C - E
Tune to Open C TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Open C Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Sunflower River Blues”:
| 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 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Sunflower River Blues" by John Fahey is played in Open C Tuning (C - G - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 33 other songs in our catalog use Open C Tuning.
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Tunings Close to Open C Tuning
Already tuned to C - G - C - G - C - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open B Tuning19 songs
B - F# - B - F# - B - D#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Pink Moon Modal13 songs
C - G - C - F - C - EOnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)12 songs
C - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs
CGCGCCOnly string 1 differs: C instead of E.John Fahey’s Guitar Tunings
John Fahey plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Open C Tuning. Most-used tunings:
Gear for Open C Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Sunflower River Blues" in Open C Tuning 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Sunflower River Blues” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sunflower River Blues" by John Fahey in?
"Sunflower River Blues" is played in Open C Tuning: C - G - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sunflower River Blues"?
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 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Open C Tuning?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by John Fahey
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Fahey:
Other Songs in Open C Tuning
Once tuned to C - G - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next:
Open C TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo