Australian Winter
Required String Notes:C - G - C - F - G - C
Tune to CGCFGC TuningHow to Tune from Standard to CGCFGC Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Australian Winter”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Australian Winter" by Sun kil Moon is played in CGCFGC Tuning (C - G - C - F - 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 G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 13 other songs in our catalog use CGCFGC Tuning.
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Tunings Close to CGCFGC Tuning
Already tuned to C - G - C - F - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.
DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Open C Major (CGCEGC)19 songs
C - G - C - E - G - COnly string 3 differs: E instead of F.CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 3 differs: G instead of F.Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)9 songs
CGCFG#COnly string 2 differs: G# instead of G.Sun kil Moon’s Guitar Tunings
Sun kil Moon plays 1 of 7 songs in our catalog in CGCFGC Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)CGCDGC2 songs
- CGCFGC TuningC - G - C - F - G - C1 song
Gear for CGCFGC Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Australian Winter" in CGCFGC Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Australian Winter” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Australian Winter" by Sun kil Moon in?
"Australian Winter" is played in CGCFGC Tuning: C - G - C - F - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Australian Winter"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).
What string gauge should I use for CGCFGC Tuning?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Sun kil Moon
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sun kil Moon:
Other Songs in CGCFGC Tuning
Once tuned to C - G - C - F - G - C, try playing these tracks next: