How to Tune to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
The C6 tuning (C-A-C-G-C-E) Jimmy Page used for Led Zeppelin's acoustic instrumental "Bron-Yr-Aur" and the funky "Friends." Strumming the open strings gives a C major sixth chord — bright, folky and slightly jazzy. The tuning's stacked C notes and open A give it a distinctive ringing, harp-like quality perfect for cascading fingerpicked lines.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| 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 |
"Bron-Yr-Aur" is named after the 18th-century cottage in Wales where Robert Plant and Jimmy Page retreated in 1970 to write much of Led Zeppelin III. Page composed the delicate solo-guitar piece in this C6 tuning; it was recorded then, but not released until Physical Graffiti in 1975.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Gear for C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Tools that make tuning to C - A - C - G - C - E 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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