Airbag
Required String Notes:E - A - D - G - A - E
Tune to EADGAE TuningHow to Tune from Standard to EADGAE Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Airbag”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
On OK Computer's opener the B string is tuned down to A (E-A-D-G-A-E), so the ringing A5 chords and the song's angular main riff fall naturally under the fingers using open strings.
Key Chord Voicings:
A5 (x-0-2-2-0-0)Main riff on the top stringsOpen drone voicings
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to EADGAE Tuning
Already tuned to E - A - D - G - A - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A.Custom Tuning (DADGAE)6 songs
DADGAEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)3 songs
EADF#AEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Custom Tuning (EADGAD)3 songs
EADGADOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.Radiohead’s Guitar Tunings
Radiohead plays 2 of 14 songs in our catalog in EADGAE Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- EADGAE TuningE - A - D - G - A - E2 songs
Gear for EADGAE Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Airbag" in EADGAE Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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.
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“Airbag” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Airbag" by Radiohead in?
"Airbag" is played in EADGAE Tuning: E - A - D - G - A - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Airbag"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for EADGAE Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Radiohead songs use this tuning?
"Nice Dream" — all in E - A - D - G - A - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Radiohead
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Radiohead:
Other Songs in EADGAE Tuning
Once tuned to E - A - D - G - A - E, try playing these tracks next:
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo