C Standard Tuner
Press Start, allow the microphone and play a string. C standard is set: C F Bb Eb G C, every string two whole steps below standard.
Press Start and allow the microphone.
Tap a string to hear its note and tune to it by ear.
C standard tuning notes
C standard tuning is C2 F2 Bb2 Eb3 G3 C4: every string lowered two whole steps (four semitones) from standard E A D G B E. The intervals between the strings do not change, so every chord and scale shape works as usual and sounds a major third lower.
| String | Note | Frequency | From standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th | C2 | 65.41 Hz | down 2 whole steps |
| 5th | F2 | 87.31 Hz | down 2 whole steps |
| 4th | Bb2 / A#2 | 116.54 Hz | down 2 whole steps |
| 3rd | Eb3 / D#3 | 155.56 Hz | down 2 whole steps |
| 2nd | G3 | 196.00 Hz | down 2 whole steps |
| 1st | C4 | 261.63 Hz | down 2 whole steps |
Frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz; change A4 in the tuner and the table follows.
What C standard is for
C standard is the low tuning of doom, stoner and sludge metal and of plenty of heavy rock. The open low C, 65.4 Hz, is as deep as Drop C, but the strings keep the fourths of standard tuning, so scale patterns and two-finger power chords stay where your hands expect them.
The tuner names the flat notes with sharps: Bb shows as A#2 and Eb as D#3. They are the same pitches; the table gives both spellings.
How to tune to C standard from standard
- Press Start tuning and allow the microphone. C standard is already selected.
- Lower each string by four semitones, from the 6th to the 1st: E to C, A to F, D to Bb (A#), G to Eb (D#), B to G and E to C.
- An easier path: tune to D standard first (everything down a whole step), then go down one more whole step.
- Check all six strings again. A four-semitone drop changes the neck tension a lot, and the first strings drift.
Strings and setup
Standard-gauge strings are too loose four semitones down. Most players use a heavy set, from 12–56 up to 13–62, or a baritone guitar with a longer scale. Expect to adjust the truss rod and the intonation after the change, and check that the thicker 6th string still fits the nut slot.
C standard tuning: frequently asked questions
What are the notes in C standard tuning?
C F Bb Eb G C, from the 6th string to the 1st: C2, F2, Bb2, Eb3, G3 and C4. On the tuner, Bb2 shows as A#2 and Eb3 as D#3.
What is the difference between C standard and Drop C?
C standard lowers all six strings by two whole steps (C F Bb Eb G C). Drop C lowers five strings by one whole step and the 6th by two (C G C F A D), so its power chords take one finger.
Why does the tuner show A# and D# instead of Bb and Eb?
A# and Bb are the same pitch, as are D# and Eb; the tuner always uses sharp names. Tune the string to the note shown and it is on Bb or Eb.
Can I play songs from standard tuning in C standard?
Yes, with the same fingering. They sound two whole steps, a major third, lower.
What strings do I need for C standard?
A heavy set, typically 12–56 or 13–62 on a 25.5-inch-scale guitar, or a baritone guitar. Lighter strings feel slack and buzz.
Will tuning down to C damage my guitar?
No, lower tension is gentle on the neck. The neck straightens a little, so a small truss-rod and intonation adjustment helps it play in tune.
Drop C tuning
C G C F A D: Drop D a whole step lower.
D standard tuning
D G C F A D: every string a whole step down.
Drop B tuning
B F# B E G# C#: the low string down to B1.
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