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.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| String 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| String 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 2 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 1 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
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.
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.