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.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| String 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
| String 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| String 3 | D#3 | 155.56 Hz |
| String 2 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| String 1 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
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.
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.