Tune Your Guitar in Dropped C

Dropped C tuning (CGCFAD) is an alternative guitar tuning where the sixth string is tuned down two tones ("dropped") to C and the rest of the strings are tuned down one tone. The difference between drop C and standard tuning is that drop C allows for the bottom three strings to form a C power chord. This can be shifted up or down the fretboard with a single finger (usually the index) to produce any power chord quickly and easily just like Drop D, but with a lower and heavier sound. It is typically used for metal and its subgenres.

Steps

  1. Starting in standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, tune the 6th string (low E) to the 3rd fret of the 5th string. Do this by striking the fretted note on the 5th string, then the open 6th, and detuning the 6th until they match.
  2. Tune the other strings up to the 2nd in the same manner. When tuning the 5th string to the 4th, use the 2nd fret on the 4th string. For all others, e.g. 2nd to 1st, use the 3rd fret.
  3. Your guitar should now be tuned E-G-C-F-A-D. You must reverse things a little to tune the E down to C, by using the 5th string to tune the 6th. Hold the 6th string down at the 9th fret and tune it to the 5th string.
  4. The guitar is now in Drop C, which is:
    • D|-
    • A|-
    • F|-
    • C|-
    • G|-
    • C|-

A Fast Method

  1. Do the fastest way to tuning it to Drop C Tuning from Standard Tuning
    • 1st string tune a whole step or 2 frets.
    • 2nd string tune a whole step or 2 frets.
    • 3rd string tune a whole step or 2 frets.
    • 4th string tune a whole step or 2 frets.
    • 5th string tune a whole step or 2 frets.
  2. To tune it 2 whole steps go 4 frets
  3. Play or practice and have fun!!

Another Method

  1. If you know how to uses harmonics properly, you can tune down quite easily.
    • Strike the 7th harmonic on the 6th string.
    • Strike the 12th harmonic on the 5th string. Tune down the 6th string until the 2 strings sounds exactly the same. The 6th string is now dropped 1/2 scale, making it drop D.
    • Now strike the 6th string again on the 5th harmonic.
    • Strike the 5th on the 7th.
    • Tune the 5th string until they match up.
  2. Do this for every string down.
  3. Now, all of the strings are in D tuning. repeat step 1#, and it will be in drop C



Tips

  • With a chromatic tuner, you can skip all of this. Just tune the open strings to match the appropriate notes using the tuner. It's still good to know, in case you misplace your tuner.

Warnings

  • Turning a tuner key the wrong way will tighten the string, which can cause it to snap. Be sure you are tuning down, not up.

Things You'll Need

  • A guitar.
  • Your ears!
  • Musical sense.

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