Afterthoughts
Required String Notes:A#FCGAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (A#FCGAD).
Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
±0
A#
Target: 58.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A#58
F87
C131
G196
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Afterthoughts”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A#1 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Afterthoughts" by Carl Kress is played in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD) (A#FCGAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A#, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 6 semitones down. Carl Kress uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Already tuned to A#FCGAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Carl Kress’s Guitar Tunings
Carl Kress plays 5 of 5 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)A#FCGAD5 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Afterthoughts" in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Afterthoughts” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Afterthoughts" by Carl Kress in?
"Afterthoughts" is played in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD): A#FCGAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Afterthoughts"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 6 semitones (E2 → A#1). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Carl Kress songs use this tuning?
"Danzon", "Helena", "Picking My Way", "Sutton Mutton" — all in A#FCGAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Carl Kress
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Carl Kress:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Once tuned to A#FCGAD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (D#A#FA#CF)Intermediate
D#A#FA#CFNo Capo