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.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| String 5 | F2 | 87.31 Hz |
| String 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| String 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 2 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
| String 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz |
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.
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.