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”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2F2Tune up a half step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3C4Tune up a half step
String 1E4E4Leave as is
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

"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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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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:

View all 2 songs
Custom Tuning (DAEACE)Intermediate
DAEACENo Capo

Other Songs in Never Meant / Midwest Emo

Once tuned to F - A - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next:

Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo