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CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal) Guitar Tuner

CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
G196
C262
D294

How to Tune to CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)

A wide-open modal tuning (C-G-C-G-C-D) stacking fifths and fourths with a suspended 2nd on top. The three C octaves and reinforcing G notes give a huge, droning, harp-like resonance, while the high D adds tension and sparkle. Kaki King and folk guitarists like Nic Jones use its cavernous open sound for percussive, cascading fingerstyle.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3C4Tune up a half step
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Printable CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal) chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Because every open string is a C, G or D, almost any note you fret harmonizes with the ringing open strings. That is why modal tunings like this feel so forgiving and atmospheric — there are very few 'wrong' notes, which encourages the exploratory, ambient playing Kaki King is known for.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Medium acoustic gauges (.013-.056). The low E drops two whole steps to C so a heavy 6th string is important; the high E drops to D. Most strings loosen relative to standard, so use enough mass to keep the low C defined.

Gear for CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)

Tools that make tuning to C - G - C - G - C - D 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)Intermediate
C - G - C - G - C - DNo Capo
Song Details
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)Intermediate
C - G - C - G - C - DNo Capo
Song Details
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)Intermediate
C - G - C - G - C - DNo Capo
Song Details
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)Intermediate
C - G - C - G - C - DNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tuning is CGCGCD?
It is a modal open tuning built from Cs, Gs and a high D — essentially a Csus2 drone. It has no third, so it sounds neither clearly major nor minor, which makes it flexible and atmospheric for fingerstyle and folk.
How do I tune to CGCGCD?
From standard: drop low E to C, drop A to G, drop D to C, keep G, raise B up to C (a half step), drop the high E a whole step to D. Use the tuner above to match the three C octaves precisely.
Who uses CGCGCD tuning?
Percussive fingerstyle innovator Kaki King and traditional folk guitarist Nic Jones both use it. It suits players who want a big, resonant, drone-heavy backdrop for melodic playing.
What are the frequencies for CGCGCD?
C2 = 65.41 Hz, G2 = 98.00 Hz, C3 = 130.81 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, C4 = 261.63 Hz, D4 = 293.66 Hz.