Elliott Smith Guitar Tunings
Elliott Smith has used standard and alternate guitar tunings across their recorded discography. Below you will find 11 songs with exact string notes and tuning configurations.
Elliott Smith Songs & Guitar Tunings
| Song Title | Tuning required | Genre / Style | Tune Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballad of Big Nothing | C - G - C - E - G - COpen C Major (CGCEGC) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Between the Bars | D - G - C - F - A - DD Standard / Whole-Step Down | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Clementine | CGCEADCustom Tuning (CGCEAD) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| D | C - G - C - E - G - COpen C Major (CGCEGC) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Independence Day | C - G - C - E - G - COpen C Major (CGCEGC) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| No Name No. 5 | CGCFACCustom Tuning (CGCFAC) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Roman Candle | D - A - D - G - B - DDouble Drop D Tuning | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Satellite | D - A - D - G - B - DDouble Drop D Tuning | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| See You Later | C - G - C - E - G - COpen C Major (CGCEGC) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Speed Trials | C - G - C - E - G - COpen C Major (CGCEGC) | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
| Waltz 2 | D - G - C - F - A - DD Standard / Whole-Step Down | Alternative / Rock | Tune |
Elliott Smith's Most Used Tunings
Open C Major (CGCEGC)
D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Custom Tuning (CGCEAD)
Double Drop D Tuning
String Pitch Guide: Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Primary tuning reference used for 5 songs in Elliott Smith's catalog.
Elliott Smith Guitar Tuning Overview
Elliott Smith utilizes a dynamic selection of guitar tunings to achieve distinct voice leading, open resonance, and chord voicings across their music. While standard tuning forms the foundation for many tracks, alternate tunings—such as drop tunings and open tunings—play a pivotal role in shaping their signature guitar sound.
Using our interactive tuner above, you can inspect each string note required for Elliott Smith songs, tune your guitar using microphone pitch detection, and explore chord voicings for each song.