Bitter and Then Some

byConverge

Required String Notes:CGCFG#C

Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCFG#C).

Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)

±0

Target: 65.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

C65

G98

C131

F175

G#208

C262

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Bitter and Then Some”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C2	Tune down 4 semitones
String 5	A2	G2	Tune down a whole step
String 4	D3	C3	Tune down a whole step
String 3	G3	F3	Tune down a whole step
String 2	B3	G#3	Tune down 3 semitones
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 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

"Bitter and Then Some" by Converge is played in Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C) (CGCFG#C). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Converge uses this same tuning on 8 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)

Already tuned to CGCFG#C? These tunings are just one small change away.

CGCFGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 2 differs: G instead of G#.

Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)5 songs

CGCFACOnly string 2 differs: A instead of G#.

Custom Tuning (CGCFBC)1 song

CGCFBCOnly string 2 differs: B instead of G#.

Custom Tuning (DADGA#D)1 song

DADGA#DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Converge’s Guitar Tunings

Converge plays 9 of 17 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)CGCFG#C9 songs
Custom Tuning (CF#CF#AC)CF#CF#AC5 songs
Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)GGCFAD3 songs

Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)

Strings and tools that make playing "Bitter and Then Some" in Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C) 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Bitter and Then Some” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Bitter and Then Some" by Converge in?

"Bitter and Then Some" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C): CGCFG#C, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Bitter and Then Some"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).

What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)?

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 Converge songs use this tuning?

"Concubine", "Fault and Fracture", "Heaven in Her Arms", "Homewrecker", "Jane Doe", "Phoenix in Flames" and 2 more — all in CGCFG#C, so you can play them without retuning.