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C Standard Guitar Tuner

C Standard
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
F87
B62
B123
G196
C262

How to Tune to C Standard

Two full steps down from standard, C Standard delivers a massive, sludgy low end that defined the desert rock and stoner metal genres. Kyuss and early Queens of the Stone Age built their sound around this tuning, and it remains the go-to choice for bands seeking a thick, heavy tone without going to drop tuning territory.

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

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2F2Tune down 4 semitones
String 4D3Bb2Tune down 4 semitones
String 3G3Eb3Tune down 4 semitones
String 2B3G3Tune down 4 semitones
String 1E4C4Tune down 4 semitones
Printable C Standard chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Josh Homme of Kyuss/QOTSA is known for running his C Standard guitar through a bass amplifier to get even more low-end rumble. The combination of the low tuning and bass amp creates the signature 'desert rock' tone that influenced an entire genre of music emerging from the California desert scene in the early 1990s.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:.012-.056 gauge minimum, .013-.060 preferred. Standard strings will be completely unusable at this pitch — they'll flop around and produce no usable tone. A proper guitar setup is essential for long-term use.

Gear for C Standard

Tools that make tuning to C - F - Bb - Eb - 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

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C StandardIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
C StandardIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
C StandardIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this on standard strings?
No. Standard .010-.046 strings will be completely unplayable in C Standard — they'll buzz severely, have no tension, and produce a muddy, undefined tone. You need at minimum .012-.056 strings, and .013-.060 is recommended for proper tension and clarity.
How to tune to C Standard on a 6-string?
Lower every string by 4 semitones (two whole steps): E→C, A→F, D→Bb, G→Eb, B→G, E→C. You'll need heavy strings (.012-.056 minimum) and likely a truss rod adjustment. Set up the guitar properly: adjust action height, check intonation, and ensure the nut slots can accommodate thicker strings.
What tuning does Kyuss use?
Kyuss primarily used C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C) throughout their career. Josh Homme continued using it in early Queens of the Stone Age material. The tuning, combined with bass amplifiers and heavy distortion, created the signature 'desert rock' sound.
Does C Standard need a truss rod adjustment?
Usually yes, if you're keeping the guitar in C Standard long-term. The significantly lower tension from tuning down 4 semitones means the neck may bow backwards (backbow). A truss rod loosening of about a quarter turn is typical. Heavier strings help offset this, but a professional setup is recommended.