Ceremony
Required String Notes:C - F - C - G - B - E
Tune to CFCGBE (Joy Division) TuningHow to Tune from Standard to CFCGBE (Joy Division) Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Ceremony”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
Written by Ian Curtis and completed by New Order after Joy Division, Ceremony is often played in the CFCGBE tuning so the low strings can carry its melodic bassline while the near-standard top three handle the bright, driving guitar figure.
Key Chord Voicings:
C: 0-3-2-0-0-0Cmaj7 barre slideF: barre shape
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to CFCGBE (Joy Division) Tuning
Already tuned to C - F - C - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Gear for CFCGBE (Joy Division) Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Ceremony" in CFCGBE (Joy Division) Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Ceremony” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Ceremony" by New Order in?
"Ceremony" is played in CFCGBE (Joy Division) Tuning: C - F - C - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Ceremony"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for CFCGBE (Joy Division) Tuning?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.