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CGCGGC Tuning Guitar Tuner

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

How to Tune to CGCGGC Tuning

A deep, drone-heavy open tuning (C-G-C-G-G-C) that Ben Howard uses across much of his catalog. Built entirely from Cs and Gs, it has no third at all, giving a powerful, ambiguous open-fifth sound perfect for atmospheric, percussive strumming and hammer-on melodies. The doubled G strings create a rich, chorus-like shimmer.

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 2B3G3Tune down 4 semitones
String 1E4C4Tune down 4 semitones
Printable CGCGGC Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Ben Howard is famous for capoing high up the neck in low open tunings like this one, then using aggressive hammer-ons, pull-offs and body percussion. The combination of a heavy detuned low end and a bright capoed melody is central to the sound of songs like "Only Love" and "Keep Your Head Up."

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Medium-heavy acoustic gauges (.013-.056). The low E drops two whole steps to C, so a heavy 6th string is essential. With a capo high on the neck, the loosened strings tighten back up to comfortable tension.

Gear for CGCGGC Tuning

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

View winder

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CGCGGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - G - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
CGCGGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - G - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
CGCGGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - G - G - CNo Capo
Song Details
CGCGGC TuningIntermediate
C - G - C - G - G - CNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What tuning does Ben Howard use?
Ben Howard uses several low open tunings; CGCGGC is one of his most common, often paired with a capo placed high on the neck. Its open fifths give a big, ambiguous drone under his percussive fingerstyle.
How do I tune to CGCGGC?
From standard: drop low E to C, drop A to G, drop D to C, keep G, lower B down to G, drop high E to C. Use the tuner above to match the stacked C and G octaves.
Why does CGCGGC have no third?
Every string is a C or a G — the root and fifth of a C chord — with no E (the third). This 'power-chord' openness sounds neither major nor minor, so it works under any melody and gives that huge, modern folk drone.
What are the frequencies for CGCGGC?
C2 = 65.41 Hz, G2 = 98.00 Hz, C3 = 130.81 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, C4 = 261.63 Hz.