Been Away Too Long
Required String Notes:EEBBBB
Tune to Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)Tune to Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EEBBBB).
Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
E82
B123
B123
B123
B123
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Been Away Too Long”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | E2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | B2 | Tune down 8 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | B2 | Tune down 17 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
"Been Away Too Long" by Soundgarden is played in Custom Tuning (EEBBBB) (EEBBBB). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 5 down to E, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to B, string 2 down to B, string 1 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 17 semitones down. Soundgarden uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Soundgarden’s Guitar Tunings
Soundgarden plays 5 of 25 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EEBBBB). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)EEBBBB5 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)CGCGGE3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)
Strings and tools that make playing "Been Away Too Long" in Custom Tuning (EEBBBB) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Been Away Too Long” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Been Away Too Long" by Soundgarden in?
"Been Away Too Long" is played in Custom Tuning (EEBBBB): EEBBBB, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Been Away Too Long"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune down 5 semitones (A2 → E2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 8 semitones (G3 → B2). String 2: tune down 12 semitones (B3 → B2). String 1: tune down 17 semitones (E4 → B2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Soundgarden songs use this tuning?
"My Wave", "Somewhere", "the day i tried to live", "Worse Dreams" — all in EEBBBB, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Soundgarden
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Soundgarden:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)
Once tuned to EEBBBB, try playing these tracks next: