Clockwork
Required String Notes:D#G#D#G#C#FA#
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#).
Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
G#104
D#156
G#208
C#277
F349
A#466
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)
Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Clockwork”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 7 | B1 | D#2 | Tune up 4 semitones |
| String 6 | E2 | G#2 | Tune up 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | D#3 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | G#3 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C#4 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | F4 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | A#4 | Tune up 6 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
"Clockwork" by Northlane is played in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#) (D#G#D#G#C#FA#). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 up to D#, string 6 up to G#, string 5 up to D#, string 4 up to G#, string 3 up to C#, string 2 up to F, string 1 up to A#. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. Northlane uses this same tuning on 5 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)
Already tuned to D#G#D#G#C#FA#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Northlane’s Guitar Tunings
Northlane plays 6 of 19 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)D#G#D#G#C#FA#6 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Clockwork" in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#) 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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“Clockwork” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Clockwork" by Northlane in?
"Clockwork" is played in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#): D#G#D#G#C#FA#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Clockwork"?
Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune up 4 semitones (B1 → D#2). String 6: tune up 4 semitones (E2 → G#2). String 5: tune up 6 semitones (A2 → D#3). String 4: tune up 6 semitones (D3 → G#3). String 3: tune up 6 semitones (G3 → C#4). String 2: tune up 6 semitones (B3 → F4). String 1: tune up 6 semitones (E4 → A#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)?
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?
"Carbonized", "Clarity", "Cypher", "Details Matter", "Plenty" — all in D#G#D#G#C#FA#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Northlane
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Northlane:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)
Once tuned to D#G#D#G#C#FA#, try playing these tracks next: