Bron-Yr-Aur
Required String Notes:C - A - C - G - C - E
Tune to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)How to Tune from Standard to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Bron-Yr-Aur”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Bron-Yr-Aur" by Led Zeppelin is played in C6 Tuning (CACGCE) (C - A - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, 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. Led Zeppelin uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Already tuned to C - A - C - G - C - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Never Meant / Midwest Emo34 songs
F - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: F instead of C.Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.DACGCE3 songs
D - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (EACGCE)1 song
EACGCEOnly string 6 differs: E instead of C.Led Zeppelin’s Guitar Tunings
Led Zeppelin plays 3 of 22 songs in our catalog in C6 Tuning (CACGCE). Most-used tunings:
- C6 Tuning (CACGCE)C - A - C - G - C - E3 songs
Gear for C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Bron-Yr-Aur" in C6 Tuning (CACGCE) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Bron-Yr-Aur” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Bron-Yr-Aur" by Led Zeppelin in?
"Bron-Yr-Aur" is played in C6 Tuning (CACGCE): C - A - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Bron-Yr-Aur"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). 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 C6 Tuning (CACGCE)?
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 Led Zeppelin songs use this tuning?
"Bron Yr Aur", "Friends" — all in C - A - C - G - C - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Led Zeppelin
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Led Zeppelin:
Other Songs in C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Once tuned to C - A - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next:
C6 Tuning (CACGCE)Intermediate
C - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo