How to Tune to Cittern (CFCGCD)
CFCGCD adapts a cittern-style layout to guitar, stacking C and G intervals with a suspended D on top. It gives ringing, droning open chords ideal for Celtic and folk accompaniment, echoing the bright, jangly sound of the cittern and bouzouki family.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| 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 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:The low E drops to C and the A to F, so a heavier bottom pair helps. The B tunes up to C and the high E to D; use a slightly lighter top string for the raised C.
Gear for Cittern (CFCGCD)
Tools that make tuning to C - F - 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tune to CFCGCD (cittern)?
From standard tuning (EADGBE), retune each string low to high: 6th E→C, 5th A→F, 4th D→C, 3rd G (unchanged), 2nd B→C, 1st E→D. Match each string to its exact Hz using the interactive tuner above.
What is a cittern tuning?
It borrows the droning, fifth-heavy layout of the cittern (a bouzouki-family folk instrument) so the guitar rings with open, suspended chords well suited to Celtic and folk backing.