caroline say

byLou Reed

Required String Notes:DDDDDD

Tune to Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)

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

Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)

±0

Target: 73.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

D73

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “caroline say”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
String 5	A2	D2	Tune down 7 semitones
String 4	D3	D2	Tune down 12 semitones
String 3	G3	D2	Tune down 17 semitones
String 2	B3	D2	Tune down 21 semitones
String 1	E4	D2	Tune down 26 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"caroline say" by Lou Reed is played in Custom Tuning (DDDDDD) (DDDDDD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to D, string 4 down to D, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to D, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 26 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DDDDDD).

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)

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

Custom Tuning (EEEEEE)2 songs

EEEEEESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Custom Tuning (BDDDDD)2 songs

BDDDDDOnly string 6 differs: B instead of D.

Lou Reed’s Guitar Tunings

Lou Reed plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DDDDDD). Most-used tunings:

Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)D - D - D - D - D - D1 song
Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)DDDDDD1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)

Strings and tools that make playing "caroline say" in Custom Tuning (DDDDDD) easier.

Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)

Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.

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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“caroline say” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "caroline say" by Lou Reed in?

"caroline say" is played in Custom Tuning (DDDDDD): DDDDDD, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "caroline say"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down 7 semitones (A2 → D2). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 17 semitones (G3 → D2). String 2: tune down 21 semitones (B3 → D2). String 1: tune down 26 semitones (E4 → D2).