A Thousand Days Before
Required String Notes:CGCGGE
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCGGE).
Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
G196
G196
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “A Thousand Days Before”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"A Thousand Days Before" by Soundgarden is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE) (CGCGGE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Soundgarden uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)
Already tuned to CGCGGE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 2 differs: C instead of G.CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 1 differs: C instead of E.Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)6 songs
CGCGBEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of G.Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)3 songs
CGCGGDOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.Soundgarden’s Guitar Tunings
Soundgarden plays 3 of 25 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)EEBBBB5 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)CGCGGE3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)
Strings and tools that make playing "A Thousand Days Before" in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“A Thousand Days Before” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "A Thousand Days Before" by Soundgarden in?
"A Thousand Days Before" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE): CGCGGE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "A Thousand Days Before"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Soundgarden songs use this tuning?
"Burden In My Hand", "Pretty Noose" — all in CGCGGE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Soundgarden
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Soundgarden:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)
Once tuned to CGCGGE, try playing these tracks next: