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# Lydian Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A# Lydian in Open C — Notes and Intervals

The A# Lydian scale is the fourth mode of the major scale and arguably the brightest sound in music theory. On Guitar, the notes are A#, C, D, E, F, G, A. It is known for its ethereal, dreamlike, and cinematic quality. Because it avoids the pull of the perfect fourth, it is a favorite for film composers wanting to evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldly space. The diatonic chords of A# Lydian are A#Maj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7, Am7. Commonly used in Film Scores, Progressive Rock, Fusion, Ambient, Dream Pop. Notable players include Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Williams, Hans Zimmer. Use over Maj7#11, Maj9 chords. Ideal for non-resolving major passages. Avoid when the music needs to feel grounded or resolved.

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

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

Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 6 7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

Diatonic Chords

A♯Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7 — Am7

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

EtherealDreamyFloatingCinematicWondrous

The #4 (tritone from root) eliminates the gravitational pull of the perfect 4th, creating a sensation of weightless suspension — the reason film composers use it for 'wonder' and 'awe'.

Chord Progressions Using This Scale

I – II – IV – I (Lydian II)Pop / Rock — Euphoric

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open C tuning