A Major Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Major in Open C — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A, C#, E
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P
Formula: 2W-WH
Number of notes: 3
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: M, ^, , maj
The A Major arpeggio contains 3 notes (A, C#, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on 6-string guitar — Open C with different tunings and fret ranges.
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Explore This Arpeggio in Other Tunings
- A Major in Standard Tuning
- A Major in Drop D
- A Major in DADGAD
- A Major in Open G
- A Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Major in 7-string
- A Major in 8-string
- A Major in Drop C
- A Major in Drop B
- A Major in Open D
- A Major in Half Step Down
- A Major in Open E
- A Major in Open A
- A Major in Double Drop D