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CGCFGC Tuning Guitar Tuner

CGCFGC Tuning
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
F175
G196
C262

How to Tune to CGCFGC Tuning

A suspended open-C tuning (C-G-C-F-G-C) that stacks Cs and Gs with a warm F on the middle string, producing a Csus4 drone. Mark Kozelek (Sun Kil Moon, Red House Painters) built much of his sprawling, conversational fingerpicking around it, and Biffy Clyro have used it for big, ringing rock arrangements.

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 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3F3Tune down a whole step
String 2B3G3Tune down 4 semitones
String 1E4C4Tune down 4 semitones
Printable CGCFGC Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Mark Kozelek's guitar style leans on repetitive, hypnotic fingerpicked patterns in low open tunings, letting the open strings drone for minutes while his vocal melodies wander freely. Suspended tunings like this remove the major/minor tension, which suits his stream-of-consciousness songwriting.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Medium acoustic gauges (.013-.056). The low E drops to C and the A to G, so a heavier low string keeps the bass tight. The suspended F on the third string sits comfortably at standard-ish tension.

Gear for CGCFGC Tuning

Tools that make tuning to C - G - C - F - 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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CGCFGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
CGCFGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
CGCFGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
CGCFGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - F - G - CNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CGCFGC tuning?
It is a suspended open C tuning: strumming the open strings sounds a Csus4 chord (C-F-G with C and G doubled). The F on the fourth string replaces the third, giving a warm, unresolved drone.
How do I tune to CGCFGC?
From standard: drop the low E to C, drop the A to G, drop the D to C, lower the G a whole step to F, lower the B down to G, and drop the high E to C. Use the tuner above to set each string exactly.
Who uses CGCFGC tuning?
Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters is closely associated with it, and Biffy Clyro have used it on louder rock material. It suits long, meditative fingerpicked songs.
What are the frequencies for CGCFGC?
C2 = 65.41 Hz, G2 = 98.00 Hz, C3 = 130.81 Hz, F3 = 174.61 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, C4 = 261.63 Hz.