Citizen
Required String Notes:FA#FA#D#GC
Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (FA#FA#D#GC).
Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)
±0
F
Target: 87.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F87
A#117
F175
A#233
D#311
G392
C523
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)
Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Citizen”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 7 | B1 | F2 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 6 | E2 | A#2 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F3 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A#3 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D#4 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G4 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C5 | Tune up 8 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Citizen" by Northlane is played in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC) (FA#FA#D#GC). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 up to F, string 6 up to A#, string 5 up to F, string 4 up to A#, string 3 up to D#, string 2 up to G, string 1 up to C. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. Northlane uses this same tuning on 7 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)
Already tuned to FA#FA#D#GC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)7 songs
D#G#D#G#C#FA#Same chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Custom Tuning (FCFA#D#GC)3 songs
FCFA#D#GCOnly string 6 differs: C instead of A#.Custom Tuning (EAEADF#B)2 songs
EAEADF#BSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (F#BF#BEG#C#)1 song
F#BF#BEG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Northlane’s Guitar Tunings
Northlane plays 8 of 19 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)FA#FA#D#GC8 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Citizen" in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)
Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
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 7 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Citizen” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Citizen" by Northlane in?
"Citizen" is played in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC): FA#FA#D#GC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Citizen"?
Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune up 6 semitones (B1 → F2). String 6: tune up 6 semitones (E2 → A#2). String 5: tune up 8 semitones (A2 → F3). String 4: tune up 8 semitones (D3 → A#3). String 3: tune up 8 semitones (G3 → D#4). String 2: tune up 8 semitones (B3 → G4). String 1: tune up 8 semitones (E4 → C5).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)?
Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
Which other Northlane songs use this tuning?
"Genesis/Scarab", "Intuition", "Jinn", "Quantum Flux", "Rot", "Talking Heads" and 1 more — all in FA#FA#D#GC, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Northlane
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Northlane:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)
Once tuned to FA#FA#D#GC, try playing these tracks next: