Blood Band
byBon Iver
Required String Notes:DG#CGGD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DG#CGGD).
Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G#104
C131
G196
G196
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Blood Band”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole 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
"Blood Band" by Bon Iver is played in Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD) (DG#CGGD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G#, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD).
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Bon Iver’s Guitar Tunings
Bon Iver plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)DG#CGGD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Blood Band" in Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Blood Band” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Blood Band" by Bon Iver in?
"Blood Band" is played in Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD): DG#CGGD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Blood Band"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). 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 (DG#CGGD)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Bon Iver
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Bon Iver:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DG#CGGD)
Once tuned to DG#CGGD, try playing these tracks next: