Cats
byMacseal
Required String Notes:D#G#D#G#CG#
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#).
Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
G#104
D#156
G#208
C262
G#415
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Cats”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | D#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | G#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | G#4 | Tune up 4 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Cats" by Macseal is played in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#) (D#G#D#G#CG#). 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 G#, string 4 up to D#, string 3 up to G#, string 2 up to C, string 1 up to G#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#).
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Gear for Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Cats" in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Cats” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Cats" by Macseal in?
"Cats" is played in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#): D#G#D#G#CG#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Cats"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune up a half step (D3 → D#3). String 3: tune up a half step (G3 → G#3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune up 4 semitones (E4 → G#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#CG#)
Once tuned to D#G#D#G#CG#, try playing these tracks next: