Avalanche
Required String Notes:C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C
Tune to C Standard TuningHow 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 “Avalanche”:
| 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
"Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen 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. 48 other songs in our catalog use C Standard Tuning.
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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.Gear for C Standard Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Avalanche" 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.
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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“Avalanche” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Avalanche" by Leonard Cohen in?
"Avalanche" 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 "Avalanche"?
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.
Other Songs in C Standard Tuning
Once tuned to C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, try playing these tracks next:
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo