How to Tune to Open C Major (CGCEGC)
A true open C major chord tuning (C-G-C-E-G-C) that rings out a full, shimmering C triad across all six open strings. Unlike the wider Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E), this voicing stacks the major third (E) in the middle for a sweeter, more chordal sound. Joni Mitchell used it on "Amelia" and Elliott Smith built several of his most intimate fingerpicked songs around it.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
Joni Mitchell famously played in over 50 different tunings and grouped them by their sound rather than their notes. She described open-major tunings like this one as producing "chords of inquiry" — lush, unresolved voicings that let a single fretting finger create rich, questioning harmonies impossible in standard tuning.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Gear for Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Tools that make tuning to C - G - C - E - 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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