Car On A Hill
Required String Notes:CGDFCE
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGDFCE).
Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D147
F175
C262
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Car On A Hill”:
| 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 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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
"Car On A Hill" by Joni Mitchell is played in Custom Tuning (CGDFCE) (CGDFCE). 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 3 down to F, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Joni Mitchell uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)
Already tuned to CGDFCE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Joni Mitchell’s Guitar Tunings
Joni Mitchell plays 5 of 31 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGDFCE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)CGDFCE5 songs
- Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)FFCGAC3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DAEGCE)DAEGCE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Car On A Hill" in Custom Tuning (CGDFCE) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Car On A Hill” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Car On A Hill" by Joni Mitchell in?
"Car On A Hill" is played in Custom Tuning (CGDFCE): CGDFCE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Car On A Hill"?
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 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)?
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 Joni Mitchell songs use this tuning?
"Coyote", "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter", "Ladies of the Canyon", "Sisotowbell Lane" — all in CGDFCE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Joni Mitchell
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Joni Mitchell:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)
Once tuned to CGDFCE, try playing these tracks next: