Burden In My Hand

bySoundgarden

Required String Notes:CGCGGE

Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)

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

Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)

±0

Target: 65.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

C65

G98

C131

G196

E330

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Burden In My Hand”:

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	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	G3	Tune down 4 semitones
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

"Burden In My Hand" by Soundgarden is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE) (CGCGGE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Soundgarden uses this same tuning on 2 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 (CGCGGE)

Already tuned to CGCGGE? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open C Tuning34 songs

C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 2 differs: C instead of G.

CGCGGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 1 differs: C instead of E.

Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)6 songs

CGCGBEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of G.

Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)3 songs

CGCGGDOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.

Soundgarden’s Guitar Tunings

Soundgarden plays 3 of 25 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)EEBBBB5 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E3 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)CGCGGE3 songs
DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)D - G - D - G - B - E2 songs
CGDGBE TuningC - G - D - G - B - E2 songs

Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Burden In My Hand" in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Burden In My Hand” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Burden In My Hand" by Soundgarden in?

"Burden In My Hand" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGGE): CGCGGE, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Burden In My Hand"?

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 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). Leave the other strings as they are.