C Standard tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | C2 | 65.41 Hz |
| 5 | F2 | 87.31 Hz |
| 4 | B♭2 | 116.54 Hz |
| 3 | E♭3 | 155.56 Hz |
| 2 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 1 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
Sound and genres
The low C is a major third below a standard low E, but unlike drop C the strings keep their standard intervals. Everything you know in standard works two whole steps lower: the E shape is C, the A shape is F and the G shape is E♭.
Players use it for doom, stoner and sludge riffing, for heavy rock with a singer who needs a lower key, and for a big, loose sound in which chords bloom rather than snap. Each string has lost over a third of its standard tension, so the tuning only works well with heavier strings.
- Doom metal
- Stoner rock
- Sludge metal
- Metal
- Hard rock
How to tune to C Standard
- If you are fitting a heavier set, restring first and tune the new strings straight to C standard.
- Lower each string four semitones: E to C, A to F, D to B♭, G to E♭, B to G and E to C.
- Four semitones is a large move, and on the way down each string passes close to another string's target. Turn Detect String off and tap each peg in turn so the tuner reads only the string you are working on.
- Bring each string up to its note from slightly below, so the slack wraps on the post pull tight.
- Check by ear exactly as in standard: string 6 at fret 5 should match open string 5, and string 3 at fret 4 should match open string 2.
- Do the final recheck pass, play for a few minutes and check again. The neck and the strings both keep settling after a drop this large.
Changing from standard tuning
String by string, from standard tuning. Pick a different starting tuning to see its changes, or open the tuning changer.
6 strings change
| String | Change | Semitones | Peg | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 → C2 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
| 5 | A2 → F2 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
| 4 | D3 → B♭2 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
| 3 | G3 → E♭3 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
| 2 | B3 → G3 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
| 1 | E4 → C4 | −4 | ↓ Loosen | −37% |
Strings and setup for C standard
On a 25.5 inch scale, 12–54 or 12–56 is a common starting point, and 13s are popular for a tighter low end. Shorter scale guitars need heavier strings again for the same feel, while baritone guitars handle C standard with lighter, more comfortable gauges.
Heavier strings often need wider nut slots, and a big drop in tension changes neck relief and intonation. Plan on a setup if you switch for good, and keep a dedicated guitar if you also play in standard.
Playing in C standard
On chord charts for a band, use the sounding names: C, F, B♭, E♭ and A♭ for the E, A, D, G and C shapes. A capo at fret 4 returns the guitar to standard pitch, although the low strings will still feel slack under it.
Slack strings ring longer and go sharp at the start of a hard-picked note. Mute what you are not playing and pick a little lighter than usual for cleaner riffs and steadier pitch.
Chord shapes in C Standard
Songs in C Standard
- No One Knows — Queens of the Stone Age (2002)Source: Guitar.com, 2024 (Josh Homme quote)
- Dopesmoker — Sleep (2003)Source: Guitar.com, 2022
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between C standard and drop C?
C standard (C F B♭ E♭ G C) lowers all six strings four semitones and keeps standard intervals. Drop C (C G C F A D) is D standard with string 6 dropped to C, so it keeps one-finger power chords and its top strings sit higher.
What strings do I need for C standard?
On a 25.5 inch scale, 12–54 or 12–56 is common, and 13s give a tighter feel. Light strings tuned to C buzz and lose pitch stability.
Do I need a baritone guitar for C standard?
No, but a baritone's longer scale gives C standard more tension and clarity with normal-feeling gauges.
Can I use a capo to play in standard pitch?
Yes. A capo at fret 4 brings every string back to standard pitch.
How do power chords work in C standard?
The same as in standard: two- and three-finger shapes rooted on strings 6 and 5. If you want one-finger power chords at this pitch, use drop C.
Is C standard bad for my guitar?
No, it lowers the load on the neck. A setup for heavier strings prevents buzz and keeps the intonation accurate.