Answering Machine
Required String Notes:E - A - E - A - C# - E
Tune to Open A TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Open A Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Answering Machine”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C#4 | Tune up 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
"Answering Machine" by The Replacements is played in Open A Tuning (E - A - E - A - C# - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 4 up to E, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to C#. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. The Replacements uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Open A Tuning
Already tuned to E - A - E - A - C# - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Name Alt-Tuning28 songs
D - A - E - A - C# - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EAEABE)1 song
EAEABEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C#.Custom Tuning (EAEACE)1 song
EAEACEOnly string 2 differs: C instead of C#.The Replacements’s Guitar Tunings
The Replacements plays 3 of 3 songs in our catalog in Open A Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Open A TuningE - A - E - A - C# - E3 songs
Gear for Open A Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Answering Machine" in Open A 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.
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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“Answering Machine” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Answering Machine" by The Replacements in?
"Answering Machine" is played in Open A Tuning: E - A - E - A - C# - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Answering Machine"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Open A Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other The Replacements songs use this tuning?
"Alex Chilton", "Left Of The Dial" — all in E - A - E - A - C# - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by The Replacements
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by The Replacements:
Other Songs in Open A Tuning
Once tuned to E - A - E - A - C# - E, try playing these tracks next:
Open A TuningIntermediate
E - A - E - A - C# - ENo Capo