C standard tuning (C F B♭ E♭ G C)
Doom, sludge and stoner players: Electric Wizard, Sleep and that whole lineage.
C2F2B♭2E♭3G3C4
C standard lowers every string by two whole steps: C F B♭ E♭ G C. The intervals stay the same as in standard tuning, so every shape transfers, but the whole instrument sits a major third lower.
It is a doom and stoner-rock staple, thick and slow, and it needs strings to match.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz | −4 semitones from E2 |
| 5 | F2 | 87.31 Hz | −4 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | B♭2 | 116.54 Hz | −4 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | E♭3 | 155.56 Hz | −4 semitones from G3 |
| 2 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | −4 semitones from B3 |
| 1 | C4 | 261.63 Hz | −4 semitones from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 6: lower E2 down two whole steps to C2.
- String 5: lower A2 down two whole steps to F2.
- String 4: lower D3 down two whole steps to B♭2.
- String 3: lower G3 down two whole steps to E♭3.
- String 2: lower B3 down two whole steps to G3.
- String 1: lower E4 down two whole steps to C4.
Tuning to C standard in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose C standard from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Use 12s or 13s, or a baritone set. With light strings the guitar will not stay in tune and the low C will read as mud.
- Lower the strings in two rounds. Dropping all six this far changes the neck relief and the first strings you tuned will move.
Questions
What is C standard tuning?
C F B♭ E♭ G C: every string a major third (four semitones) below standard.
C standard vs Drop C?
Drop C is D standard with a dropped sixth string (C G C F A D). C standard lowers all six strings evenly, so the fifth string is F, not G.
Related tunings
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