C Sharp Tuning – What Is It?
C Sharp tuning (C#) is a gorgeous guitar tuning which offers new colours and textures to a player. It can be a brutal guitar tuning! C# is used well in metal music, its deep tones fit perfectly.
It can be written as C# or C sharp – they are the same and not to be confused. However, Drop C# is a whole other beast which we cover below.
A guitar in standard tuning would have the strings read (from thickest to thinnest) E, A, D, G, B, E.
When we change from standard to C# (C sharp) tuning the strings will read C#, F#, B, E, G#, C#.
How to tune to C Sharp Tuning
Most importantly, the best way to achieve an accurate open tunings is to use a chromatic guitar tuner. This specific type of guitar tuner shows the notes to the nearest semitone, which is what we need when tuning to an alternative tuning such as C#.
We recommend the Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal. It is an accurate tuner over a wide range, and the super-bright LED meter makes it perfect for any setting.
C# Tuning Bass
Tuning a Bass Guitar to C# (sharp) is similar to an electric or acoustic guitar. However, it is only the lowest four-string which is needed. They should read C#, F#, B, E.
Again, investing in a Chromatic Tuner is the best way to achieve the correct pitch effortlessly.
Songs
There are plenty of songs in C# (C sharp) to be enjoyed. These include:
Biffy Clyro – ‘Modern Magic Formula’, Nina Nesbitt – ‘Mr. C’, Of Mice & Men – ‘Second and Sebring’, Metallica – ‘Minus Human’, Linkin Park – ‘Krwlng’, Cypress Hill – ‘Can’t Get the Best of Me’, Rob Zombie – ‘We’re an American Band’.
Bands
Bands who use C# tuning include; Black Sabbeth, Pantera, Alice In Chains, Van Halen, Biffy Clyro, Metallica, Linkin Park, and Crazy Town.
Is learning to play the piano more your thing?
Drop C# Tuning
Drop C sharp is very different to C sharp. You tune to Drop C sharp, by tuning a guitar down a half step, from drop D, so the strings need to be tuned to C#, G#, C#, F#, A#, D#.
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