What is Open C tuning?

Open C tuning is C-G-C-G-C-E (low to high). Strumming all strings produces a C major chord. The low C string sits two whole steps below standard E, giving exceptional bass depth.

What scales work in Open C?

C major and C major pentatonic are the most natural choices. C Lydian adds a dreamy, cinematic quality. For heavier styles, C minor and C Phrygian deliver dark intensity.

Do I need heavier strings for Open C?

Yes, the low C string needs a heavier gauge to maintain proper tension — at least a .056 or .058 for the 6th string. A set of 12-56 or similar is recommended. Without heavier strings, the low C will sound muddy and floppy.

A Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A Harmonic Minor in Open C — Notes and Intervals

The A Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Guitar, the notes are A, B, C, D, E, F, G#. It has a distinctive exotic or Middle Eastern flavor due to the wide gap between its upper notes, and is used to provide the harmonic tension necessary for classical minor-key resolutions. It is a staple in neo-classical metal and flamenco. The diatonic chords of A Harmonic Minor are AmMaj7, Bm7b5, C+maj7, Dm7, E7, Fmaj7, G#o7. Commonly used in Metal, Classical, Flamenco, Film Scores, Neoclassical. Notable players include Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Johann Sebastian Bach. Use over m(Maj7), m7, dim7 chords. Essential for creating V7 → i resolutions in minor keys. The raised 7th provides the leading tone that natural minor lacks.

Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G#

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7

Formula: W-H-W-W-H-WH-H

Number of notes: 7

Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)

Diatonic Chords

AmMaj7 — Bm7♭5 — C+maj7 — Dm7 — E7 — Fmaj7 — G♯o7

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.

Fingerstyle AcousticProgressive Rock/MetalPost-RockFolkExperimental

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

Musical Character

DramaticExoticTenseMajestic

The augmented 2nd interval between the b6 and natural 7 creates an exotic 'Middle Eastern' leap that is both the scale's signature sound and its main challenge for smooth phrasing.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open C tuning