Battle at Sea
byMastodon
Required String Notes:A#GCFAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (A#GCFAD).
Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)
±0
A#
Target: 58.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A#58
G98
C131
F175
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Battle at Sea”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A#1 | Tune down 6 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 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Battle at Sea" by Mastodon is played in Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD) (A#GCFAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A#, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 6 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)
Already tuned to A#GCFAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop C Tuning130 songs
C - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: C instead of A#.D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs
D - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of A#.Drop C + Low A25 songs
A - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: A instead of A#.Neon Drop C Tuning13 songs
C - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Mastodon’s Guitar Tunings
Mastodon plays 1 of 15 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)A#GCFAD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Battle at Sea" in Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD) 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Battle at Sea” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Battle at Sea" by Mastodon in?
"Battle at Sea" is played in Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD): A#GCFAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Battle at Sea"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 6 semitones (E2 → A#1). 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 a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Mastodon
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Mastodon:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)
Once tuned to A#GCFAD, try playing these tracks next: