As I Am

Required String Notes:C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C

How to Tune from Standard to C Standard Tuning

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

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C2	Tune down 4 semitones
String 5	A2	F2	Tune down 4 semitones
String 4	D3	Bb2	Tune down 4 semitones
String 3	G3	Eb3	Tune down 4 semitones
String 2	B3	G3	Tune down 4 semitones
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 semitones

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

"As I Am" by Dream Theater is played in C Standard Tuning (C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to Bb, string 3 down to Eb, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Dream Theater uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to C Standard Tuning

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

D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs

D - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

B Standard / Baritone75 songs

B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

C# Standard Tuning52 songs

C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Drop Bb / Drop A#24 songs

Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - COnly string 6 differs: A# instead of C.

Dream Theater’s Guitar Tunings

Dream Theater plays 5 of 34 songs in our catalog in C Standard Tuning. Most-used tunings:

B Standard / BaritoneB - E - A - D - F# - B17 songs
C Standard TuningC - F - Bb - Eb - G - C5 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)ADGCEA2 songs
Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)ADGCFAD2 songs

Gear for C Standard Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "As I Am" in C Standard Tuning 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.

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

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“As I Am” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "As I Am" by Dream Theater in?

"As I Am" is played in C Standard Tuning: C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "As I Am"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down 4 semitones (D3 → Bb2). String 3: tune down 4 semitones (G3 → Eb3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).

What string gauge should I use for C Standard Tuning?

Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.

Which other Dream Theater songs use this tuning?

"a nightmare to remember", "Honor Thy Father", "In The Name Of God", "Untethered Angel" — all in C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, so you can play them without retuning.