Are you ready?
byCreed
Required String Notes:DADADD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADADD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADADD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADADD).
Custom Tuning (DADADD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
A220
D294
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADADD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Are you ready?”:
| 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 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | D4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Are you ready?" by Creed is played in Custom Tuning (DADADD) (DADADD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to D, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Creed uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADADD)
Already tuned to DADADD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs
CGCGCCSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.DADAAD9 songs
D - A - D - A - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of D.Custom Tuning (DADADE)8 songs
DADADEOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)6 songs
C#G#C#G#C#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Creed’s Guitar Tunings
Creed plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADADD). Most-used tunings:
- DADADD (Tremonti)D - A - D - A - D - D2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADADD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Are you ready?" in Custom Tuning (DADADD) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Are you ready?” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Are you ready?" by Creed in?
"Are you ready?" is played in Custom Tuning (DADADD): DADADD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Are you ready?"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up 3 semitones (B3 → D4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADADD)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other Creed songs use this tuning?
"Weathered" — all in DADADD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Creed
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Creed:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADADD)
Once tuned to DADADD, try playing these tracks next: