Alec Eiffel

byPixies

Required String Notes:DADGBB

Tune to Custom Tuning (DADGBB)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADGBB).

Custom Tuning (DADGBB)

±0

Target: 73.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

D73

A110

D147

G196

B247

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADGBB)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Alec Eiffel”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	D3	Leave as is
String 3	G3	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	B3	Leave as is
String 1	E4	B3	Tune down 5 semitones

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

"Alec Eiffel" by Pixies is played in Custom Tuning (DADGBB) (DADGBB). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 1 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADGBB).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADGBB)

Already tuned to DADGBB? These tunings are just one small change away.

Drop D Tuning130 songs

D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of B.

Double Drop D Tuning14 songs

D - A - D - G - B - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of B.

Custom Tuning (DADGBF)2 songs

DADGBFOnly string 1 differs: F instead of B.

Custom Tuning (EADGBB)1 song

EADGBBOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.

Gear for Custom Tuning (DADGBB)

Strings and tools that make playing "Alec Eiffel" in Custom Tuning (DADGBB) 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.

View strings

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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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 2 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Alec Eiffel” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Alec Eiffel" by Pixies in?

"Alec Eiffel" is played in Custom Tuning (DADGBB): DADGBB, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Alec Eiffel"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 1: tune down 5 semitones (E4 → B3). Leave the other strings as they are.