How to Tune from Standard to Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Better Boy”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Better Boy" by Park Jefferson is played in Never Meant / Midwest Emo (F - A - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 33 other songs in our catalog use Never Meant / Midwest Emo.
Tunings Close to Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Already tuned to F - A - C - G - C - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Park Jefferson’s Guitar Tunings
Park Jefferson plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Never Meant / Midwest Emo. Most-used tunings:
- Never Meant / Midwest EmoF - A - C - G - C - E1 song
Gear for Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Strings and tools that make playing "Better Boy" in Never Meant / Midwest Emo 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Better Boy” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Better Boy" by Park Jefferson in?
"Better Boy" is played in Never Meant / Midwest Emo: F - A - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Better Boy"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Never Meant / Midwest Emo?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Park Jefferson
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Park Jefferson:
Other Songs in Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Once tuned to F - A - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next: