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.

F# Malkos Raga Guitar Scale

Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram

Tuning

Frets

F# Malkos Raga in Open C — Notes and Intervals

The F# Malkos Raga scale is a dark and powerful night Raga used for deep meditation. On Guitar, its notes are F#, A, B, D, E. It is intended to be performed in the late hours to explore the shadow self and create an atmosphere of profound, serious introspection. Commonly used in Indian Classical, Meditation, Dark Ambient, World. Notable players include Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia. Use over minor drones and pedal tones. Works beautifully with delay and reverb for ambient, meditative textures.

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

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

Degrees: 1 b2 3 b4 b5

Formula: WH-W-WH-W-W

Number of notes: 5

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

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

DarkMeditativeNocturnalProfound

A night raga for exploring the 'shadow self' — its omission of the 2nd and 5th creates deep, open spaces that encourage introspection and meditation.

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in Open C tuning