Open C6 Tuner

42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.

Open C6 tuning is C A C G C E, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 3 strings change.

The open strings ring a C6 chord, a sweet sound used in folk and fingerstyle.

The open strings ring C6.

Open C6 notes and frequencies

1stE4·2ndC4↑ +13rdG3·4thC3↓ -25thA2·6thC2↓ -4
StringNoteFrequency (A = 440 Hz)Change
1st (highest)E4329.63 Hzas standard
2ndC4261.63 Hz+1 from B
3rdG3196.00 Hzas standard
4thC3130.81 Hz-2 from D
5thA2110.00 Hzas standard
6th (lowest)C265.41 Hz-4 from E

How to tune to Open C6 from standard

  1. Tune the 6th string down 4 semitones, from E to C.
  2. Tune the 4th string down a whole step (2 semitones), from D to C.
  3. Tune the 2nd string up a half step (1 semitone), from B to C.
  4. Strum all the open strings. You should hear C6. If one string sounds sour, check it with the tuner.

What to play in Open C6

Barre chords with one finger

Strum all the strings open, then lay one finger straight across every string. Open: C6. At fret 5: F6. At fret 7: G6. At fret 12: C6. Those are the I, IV and V chords of the key, enough for a blues or a folk song.

Slide guitar

Open tunings are the classic choice for slide: hold the slide straight over a fret line and every string rings the chord.

Common questions

How do I tune my guitar to Open C6?

Starting from standard tuning: 6th string down 4 semitones to C; 4th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to C; 2nd string up a half step (1 semitone) to C. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.

What are the notes of Open C6 tuning?

From the lowest string to the highest: C2, A2, C3, G3, C4, E4 (C A C G C E).

How do I get back to standard tuning?

Reverse the changes: 6th string up 4 semitones to E; 4th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to D; 2nd string down a half step (1 semitone) to B.

Will my strings be too loose in Open C6?

Tuning down a lot makes strings slack, which can buzz. If it does, use a heavier string set or play a little lighter.

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