How to Tune to Open C Minor

Open C minor (C-G-C-Eb-G-C) is a rich, dark open tuning that sounds a C minor chord across all six open strings. Popular with fingerstyle songwriters, it makes minor, suspended and extended voicings available by barring a single fret and adding one or two fingers, which is why so many players who try it never tune back to standard.

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	D#3	Tune down 4 semitones
String 2	B3	G3	Tune down 4 semitones
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 semitones

Printable Open C Minor chart (PNG / PDF)

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:The low C (6th string) is dropped two full steps, so a heavier gauge (.056-.060 on the low string) keeps it tight. The 5th string is dropped from A to G, so a slightly heavier .048 helps. All other strings sit at or below standard tension.

Gear for Open C Minor

Tools that make tuning to C - G - C - Eb - 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tune to Open C minor from standard?

From standard tuning (EADGBE), retune each string low to high: 6th E→C, 5th A→G, 4th D→C, 3rd G→Eb, 2nd B→G, 1st E→C. Match each string to its exact Hz using the interactive tuner above.

What is Open C minor good for?

It is a favourite for melancholic and dreamy fingerstyle writing. Because the open strings already form a Cm chord, you can slide simple shapes up the neck to get lush minor, sus and add9 voicings with very little left-hand effort.