Open C chords: 5 shapes you need to know

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Used by the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Open C tuning is a simple way to find fresh chord voicings – here are 5 to get you started

Arms outstretched, John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls works the crowd with an Ibanez acoustic
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls is a fan of Open C – and it is so effective he doesn't even need to touch the guitar! (Image credit: Scott Legato/Getty Images)

We continue our series in open tunings with another ‘C’ tuning, but this is different to open Csus2 because the strings are tuned to a major chord, not a suspended sound – and that changes the character.

To get into open C from standard tuning, adjust the fifth and fourth strings down a tone, tune the sixth string down two tones, and raise the second string up a semitone.

Check out Come To Me by Goo Goo Dolls and As It Was by Hozier for songs in this tuning.

1. Am

(Image credit: Future)

This first chord is an easy fingering for Am, with the open strings giving it a nice, rich sound.

2. G

(Image credit: Future)

This G chord has a sweet sound thanks to the wide intervals between the three lowest notes. G fingering. Try it also with a barre.

3. F

(Image credit: Future)

You’ve gone to the trouble of tuning to a major chord. Well, that means any barre across the strings like this is a major chord, too!

4. Dm7

(Image credit: Future)

This Dm7 chord fingering has an open, ringing sound to it.

5. Emb6

(Image credit: Future)

The Emb6 chord in standard tuning it doesn’t always sound the best. Open C tuning gives us this more musical fingering.

Jon Bishop
Jon Bishop

Jon Bishop is a UK-based guitarist and freelance musician, and a longtime contributor to Guitar Techniques and Total Guitar. He's a graduate of the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford and is touring and recording guitarist for British rock 'n' roll royalty Shakin’ Stevens.