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Topic: Alternative Tunings
Open C tuning is next in my alternative tuning series.
Going from standard tuning, lower the sixth string two whole steps, the fifth and fourth strings one step and raise the second string a half step.
This is a very versatile tuning that you can use to play soft fingerstyle passages or killer crunch power chords. The 'secret' of this tuning is the doubled low root and 5th combo that make it easy to play bass rhythm either by itself or to accompany a melody line on the high strings.
The scale tones created by this tuning are
| String | Scale Tone |
| 1st | major third |
| 2nd | root |
| 3rd | fifth |
| 4th | root |
| 5th | fifth |
| 6th | root |
Like always, my demo starts with the single notes followed by an open string strum. I start with a fingerstyle passage where I play a melody line with my fingers against a thumb based open string rhythm. I stuck with working between the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets on the second and third strings. It was rather easy to play and sounded good although I am not a good fingerstylist. For the second part, I kicked in the distortion and went power chording. The low tuned root/5th combo grinds out some brutal palm muted chords. To play it, all I had to do was fret the 6th and 5th strings on the open strings, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th frets or the 4th and 5th strings on the same frets. Give both methods a try, they're a lot of fun.
Click Here To Download Open C Demo MP3
Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about the Open C Tuning and I'll try to answer them as best I can.
