Ann Don't Cry
byPavement
Required String Notes:DECGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (DECGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (DECGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DECGBE).
Custom Tuning (DECGBE)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
E82
C131
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DECGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Ann Don't Cry”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | E2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Ann Don't Cry" by Pavement is played in Custom Tuning (DECGBE) (DECGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to E, string 4 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DECGBE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DECGBE)
Already tuned to DECGBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Pavement’s Guitar Tunings
Pavement plays 1 of 14 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DECGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADABE)DADABE3 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGDABE)CGDABE2 songs
- Custom Tuning (DECGBE)DECGBE1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DECGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Ann Don't Cry" in Custom Tuning (DECGBE) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Ann Don't Cry” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Ann Don't Cry" by Pavement in?
"Ann Don't Cry" is played in Custom Tuning (DECGBE): DECGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Ann Don't Cry"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down 5 semitones (A2 → E2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DECGBE)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Pavement
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pavement:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DECGBE)
Once tuned to DECGBE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)Intermediate
CGCGBENo Capo