California
Required String Notes:EAC#EAE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EAC#EAE).
Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
C#139
E165
A220
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “California”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"California" by Joni Mitchell is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE) (EAC#EAE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)
Already tuned to EAC#EAE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)5 songs
EAC#G#AEOnly string 3 differs: G# instead of E.Custom Tuning (EAC#EBE)4 songs
EAC#EBEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A.Custom Tuning (EAC#EAC#)1 song
EAC#EAC#Only string 1 differs: C# instead of E.Custom Tuning (DAC#EAE)1 song
DAC#EAEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Joni Mitchell’s Guitar Tunings
Joni Mitchell plays 1 of 31 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)CGDFCE5 songs
- Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)FFCGAC3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DAEGCE)DAEGCE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)
Strings and tools that make playing "California" in Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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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“California” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "California" by Joni Mitchell in?
"California" is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE): EAC#EAE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "California"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Joni Mitchell
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Joni Mitchell:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)
Once tuned to EAC#EAE, try playing these tracks next: