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# Phrygian Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

A# Phrygian in Open C — Notes and Intervals

The A# Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Guitar, its notes are A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#, G#. It has a strong Spanish or ethnic flavor, making it the definitive sound of Flamenco. In modern contexts, it is widely used in heavy metal to create an aggressive, brooding atmosphere. The diatonic chords of A# Phrygian are A#m7, BMaj7, C#7, D#m7, Fm7b5, F#Maj7, G#m7. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia. Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.

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

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

Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

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

Number of notes: 7

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

Diatonic Chords

A♯m7 — BMaj7 — C♯7 — D♯m7 — Fm7♭5 — F♯Maj7 — G♯m7

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

DarkAggressiveUrgentExotic

The b2 interval from the root creates an immediate sense of tension and 'danger'. This single semitone is what gives Phrygian its unmistakable flamenco/metal character.

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