GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

C# Standard Guitar Tuner

C# Standard
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
F#92
B123
E165
G#208
C#277

How to Tune to C# Standard

Tuned down 1.5 steps from standard, C# Standard was made famous by Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, particularly on the "Master of Reality" album (1971). This tuning essentially birthed the doom metal and stoner rock genres with its heavy, sludgy low end. Queens of the Stone Age and many modern heavy bands also use C# Standard.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 5A2F#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 4D3B2Tune down 3 semitones
String 3G3E3Tune down 3 semitones
String 2B3G#3Tune down 3 semitones
String 1E4C#4Tune down 3 semitones
Printable C# Standard chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Tony Iommi lost the tips of two fingers on his right hand (fretting hand) in a factory accident as a teenager. He created custom thimble-like prosthetics from melted plastic bottles and tuned his guitar down to C# to reduce string tension, making it easier to fret with his injured fingers. This necessity literally invented the sound of heavy metal.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:.012-.056 or heavier strings are recommended. Standard .010 strings will be extremely loose and buzz badly. Iommi himself used light gauges with banjo strings for the high strings to compensate for his prosthetic fingertips.

Gear for C# Standard

Tools that make tuning to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C# easier.

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

C# StandardIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details
C# StandardIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Why C#?
Tony Iommi chose this tuning out of necessity — after losing his fingertips in a factory accident, he needed lower string tension to play comfortably with his prosthetic fingertips. The resulting heavy, dark sound became the foundation of doom metal and influenced virtually every heavy genre that followed.
What tuning is Master of Reality in?
Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality" (1971) is primarily in C# Standard (C#-F#-B-E-G#-C#), though some tracks use different tunings. Songs like "Children of the Grave," "Into the Void," and "Sweet Leaf" use this tuning. It was one of the first major rock albums to use such a low tuning.
How to tune down 3 half steps?
Lower every string by 3 semitones: E→C#, A→F#, D→B, G→E, B→G#, E→C#. A helpful reference: your 6th string (now C#) should be a half step above your open 4th string in standard (C). Use the tuner above for precise frequencies.
What string gauge for C# Standard?
For electric: .012-.054 minimum, .013-.056 preferred. The extra tension from heavier strings compensates for the lower tuning and prevents excessive fret buzz. A guitar setup (truss rod adjustment, action height, intonation) is strongly recommended for long-term use in this tuning.