Starter chords for Open-C

A number tells you which finger to use.
O means play that string 'open' - no finger touching it.
X means try not to play that string at all.

Click here for a TablEdit file for these chords.

The Open-C tuning, from the bass to the thinnest string, is C-G-C-G-C-E.
Yes you tune the second string UP a semi-tone!
Click here for a TablEdit file for this tuning

You will notice that the chord shapes are the same as for Open G - but they are moved across one string.

Once you feel familiar with these different shapes you can apply everything else you know about strumming and finger picking in a very free and open-ended fashion before trying more careful things.

Slight variations on CGCGCE are CGCGCEb (Cm), CGCGCD (C9) and CGEbGCEb (double Cm). See my Tunings page for more information.

Note: if you play along in the pub with fiddles or squeezeboxes, you will find they spend a lot of time in the keys of D and G. Just pop your capo on to fret 2 and you will be in the key of Open D, and the shapes in the graphic become the chords of D, G and A7.
A barré at fret 7 gives you a G chord of course - see graphic below.

More chords for Open-C

A number tells you which finger to use.
O means play that string 'open' - no finger touching it.
X means try not to play that string at all.

Click here for a TablEdit file for these chords.