Big Riff
byCave In
Required String Notes:A#G#C#F#A#D#
Tune to Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)Tune to Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#).
Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)
±0
A#
Target: 58.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A#58
G#104
C#139
F#185
A#233
D#311
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Big Riff”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A#1 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D#4 | Tune down a half step |
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
"Big Riff" by Cave In is played in Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#) (A#G#C#F#A#D#). 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. Cave In uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)
Already tuned to A#G#C#F#A#D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 6 differs: D# instead of A#.Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 6 differs: C# instead of A#.Drop C + Low A25 songs
A - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (BADGBE)9 songs
BADGBESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Cave In’s Guitar Tunings
Cave In plays 2 of 26 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)A#G#C#F#A#D#2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Big Riff" in Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Big Riff” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Big Riff" by Cave In in?
"Big Riff" is played in Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#): A#G#C#F#A#D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Big Riff"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 6 semitones (E2 → A#1). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down a half step (E4 → D#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)?
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 Cave In songs use this tuning?
"Trepanning" — all in A#G#C#F#A#D#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Cave In
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Cave In:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (A#G#C#F#A#D#)
Once tuned to A#G#C#F#A#D#, try playing these tracks next: