Cavity
Required String Notes:D - A - E - A - C# - E
Tune to Name Alt-TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Name Alt-Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Cavity”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C#4 | Tune up 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
"Cavity" by Thoughts About Bowling is played in Name Alt-Tuning (D - A - E - A - C# - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 up to E, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to C#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 27 other songs in our catalog use Name Alt-Tuning.
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Tunings Close to Name Alt-Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - E - A - C# - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open A Tuning20 songs
E - A - E - A - C# - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.DADAC#E Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - A - C# - EOnly string 4 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (C#G#D#G#CD#)12 songs
C#G#D#G#CD#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (DAEABE)4 songs
DAEABEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C#.Gear for Name Alt-Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Cavity" in Name Alt-Tuning 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Cavity” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Cavity" by Thoughts About Bowling in?
"Cavity" is played in Name Alt-Tuning: D - A - E - A - C# - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Cavity"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Name Alt-Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in Name Alt-Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - E - A - C# - E, try playing these tracks next: