Guitar Scales — Open C

About Open C Tuning on Guitar

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

Browse 1104 guitar scales in Open C tuning. Click any scale below to view the interactive fretboard diagram.

Explore Guitar Scales in Other Tunings

• Guitar Scales in Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
• Guitar Scales in Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
• Guitar Scales in Baritone (B Standard) (B-E-A-D-F#-B)
• Guitar Scales in 7-string (B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
• Guitar Scales in Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
• Guitar Scales in Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
• Guitar Scales in Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
• Guitar Scales in Open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E)
• Guitar Scales in Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E)
• Guitar Scales in Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-D)

← All Guitar tuning options

More in Open C

• Arpeggios in Open C
• Chords in Open C
• Tune to Open C

Related Articles

• Scales Beyond the Major Scale
• Scales for Jazz Guitar
• Triads: Why Are They So Important?
• Chord Progressions
• Scale Harmonizer
• Tune to Open C
• Complete Alternate Tunings Guide