Charlie Brown

Required String Notes:C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#

How to Tune from Standard to C# Standard Tuning

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

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C#2	Tune down 3 semitones
String 5	A2	F#2	Tune down 3 semitones
String 4	D3	B2	Tune down 3 semitones
String 3	G3	E3	Tune down 3 semitones
String 2	B3	G#3	Tune down 3 semitones
String 1	E4	C#4	Tune down 3 semitones

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

"Charlie Brown" by Coldplay is played in C# Standard Tuning (C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C#, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Coldplay uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to C# Standard Tuning

Already tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs

Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs

D - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

B Standard / Baritone75 songs

B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

C Standard Tuning49 songs

C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Coldplay’s Guitar Tunings

Coldplay plays 2 of 14 songs in our catalog in C# Standard Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (EADGBC)EADGBC2 songs
C# Standard TuningC# - F# - B - E - G# - C#2 songs
Open E TuningE - B - E - G# - B - E1 song
Custom Tuning (EADGC#C#)EADGC#C#1 song
Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)EADF#AE1 song

Gear for C# Standard Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Charlie Brown" in C# Standard 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.

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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.

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“Charlie Brown” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Charlie Brown" by Coldplay in?

"Charlie Brown" is played in C# Standard Tuning: C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Charlie Brown"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).