Tune to Custom Tuning (FADGBE)

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

Custom Tuning (FADGBE)
±0
F
Target: 87.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F87
A110
D147
G196
B247
E330

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FADGBE)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Arboretum”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2F2Tune up a half step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave 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

"Arboretum" by Unwound is played in Custom Tuning (FADGBE) (FADGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (FADGBE).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (FADGBE)

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

Unwound’s Guitar Tunings

Unwound plays 1 of 10 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FADGBE). Most-used tunings:

Gear for Custom Tuning (FADGBE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Arboretum" in Custom Tuning (FADGBE) 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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“Arboretum” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Arboretum" by Unwound in?

"Arboretum" is played in Custom Tuning (FADGBE): FADGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Arboretum"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (FADGBE)?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

More Songs by Unwound

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Unwound:

View all 10 songs
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (GADGAE)Intermediate
GADGAENo Capo
Custom Tuning (F#AEGAE)Intermediate
F#AEGAENo Capo
Custom Tuning (F#ADGBE)Intermediate
F#ADGBENo Capo

Other Songs in Custom Tuning (FADGBE)

Once tuned to FADGBE, try playing these tracks next:

Custom Tuning (DADADD)Intermediate
DADADDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#C#)Intermediate
D#A#F#C#G#C#No Capo
Custom Tuning (EBEEBE)Intermediate
EBEEBENo Capo
Custom Tuning (GA#D#FA#D)Intermediate
GA#D#FA#DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DAEFCE)Intermediate
DAEFCENo Capo
Custom Tuning (BAGDAD)Intermediate
BAGDADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#F)Intermediate
C#G#C#G#C#FNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DADABE)Intermediate
DADABENo Capo