Guitar: how do you tune a guitar in the key of C

Subject: Chord Req: how do you tune a guitar in the key of C
From: SamStone
Date: 02 Jun 19 - 07:25 PM

what is the best way to tune to an open C on the guitar

Subject: RE: Chord Req: how do you tune a guitar in the key of
From: Stanron
Date: 02 Jun 19 - 08:25 PM

This wiki page gives several options.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_C_tuning

Subject: RE: Guitar: how do you tune a guitar in the key of C
From: GUEST,Mark Bluemel
Date: 03 Jun 19 - 03:22 AM

Are you going to dedicate a guitar to this tuning?

If so, then you can choose a tuning and suitable strings - CEGCEG, for example, is not likely to sit well with a standard set of strings, but might be good with the right set.

If not, you probably need to choose a tuning with least deviation from standard - CGCGCE is probably workable.

I think CGCGCD (which has similarities to DADGAD in not being specifically major or minor) has its adherents as well.

Subject: RE: Guitar: how do you tune a guitar in the key of C
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 04 Jun 19 - 07:38 AM

If you already play in Open D (DADF#AD), or Open G (DGDGBD) you'll find CGCGCE to be easy to use.

If you rewrite those note names as numbers they are: Open D=151351, Open G=515135, Open C=151513.

The repetition of that 1513 pattern allows you to use the same basic chord shapes and picking patterns in all three tunings, just on different strings. For example, a shape that produces a G chord when played on strings 3-6 in Open D will give you a C chord when played on strings 2-5 in Open G and an F chord when played on strings 1-4 in Open C.

Capoing Open C at the second fret gives you an Open D in which that 1513 pattern sits an octave above where it does in regular Open D. I prefer it for playing traditional D fiddle tunes like "Soldier's Joy" and regular Open D for bluesier stuff.

Subject: RE: Guitar: how do you tune a guitar in the key of C
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 05 Jun 19 - 01:06 PM

Good advice on the thread. Also keep an eye on your guitar neck. A permanent shift to open C could well change stresses on the neck and cause a problem to your fine tuning of the strings which in turn won't all be stressed as they would in standard eadgbe tuning.