An Island

Required String Notes:C - G - C - G - C - D

How to Tune from Standard to CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “An Island”:

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	C4	Tune up a half step
String 1	E4	D4	Tune down a whole step

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

"An Island" by Owen is played in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal) (C - G - C - G - C - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 11 other songs in our catalog use CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal).

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Tunings Close to CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)

Already tuned to C - G - C - G - C - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open C Tuning34 songs

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

Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs

CGCGCCOnly string 1 differs: C instead of D.

Custom Tuning (DADADE)8 songs

DADADESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

The Rain Song (DGCGCD)5 songs

D - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.

Owen’s Guitar Tunings

Owen plays 1 of 12 songs in our catalog in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal). Most-used tunings:

Open G TuningD - G - D - G - B - D3 songs
DADGAD Celtic TuningD - A - D - G - A - D2 songs
DADEAD TuningD - A - D - E - A - D1 song
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)C - G - C - G - C - D1 song
Open C TuningC - G - C - G - C - E1 song

Gear for CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)

Strings and tools that make playing "An Island" in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal) 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.

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

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“An Island” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "An Island" by Owen in?

"An Island" is played in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal): C - G - C - G - C - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "An Island"?

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 up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.