Big Island Polka
Required String Notes:GBDF#AD
Tune to Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD)Tune to Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GBDF#AD).
Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
B123
D147
F#185
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Big Island Polka”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G2 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| 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 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Big Island Polka" by Bobby Lee is played in Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD) (GBDF#AD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 5 up to B, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A, 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 (GBDF#AD).
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Gear for Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Big Island Polka" in Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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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“Big Island Polka” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Big Island Polka" by Bobby Lee in?
"Big Island Polka" is played in Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD): GBDF#AD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Big Island Polka"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 5: tune up a whole step (A2 → B2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). 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 (GBDF#AD)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GBDF#AD)
Once tuned to GBDF#AD, try playing these tracks next: