Babys Arms
Required String Notes:DBDF#BD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DBDF#BD).
Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
B123
D147
F#185
B247
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Babys Arms”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | B2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Babys Arms" by Kurt Vile is played in Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD) (DBDF#BD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 up to B, string 3 down to F#, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)
Already tuned to DBDF#BD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Kurt Vile’s Guitar Tunings
Kurt Vile plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)DBDF#BD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Babys Arms" in Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD) 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.
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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“Babys Arms” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Babys Arms" by Kurt Vile in?
"Babys Arms" is played in Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD): DBDF#BD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Babys Arms"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune up a whole step (A2 → B2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). 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 (DBDF#BD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Kurt Vile
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Kurt Vile:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DBDF#BD)
Once tuned to DBDF#BD, try playing these tracks next: