Compass
Required String Notes:D - A - D - F# - A - D
Tune to Open D TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Open D Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Compass”:
| 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 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Compass" by Uchu Conbini is played in Open D Tuning (D - A - D - F# - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Uchu Conbini uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Open D Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of F#.Open E Tuning20 songs
E - B - E - G# - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)20 songs
C#G#C#FG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Uchu Conbini’s Guitar Tunings
Uchu Conbini plays 3 of 4 songs in our catalog in Open D Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Open D TuningD - A - D - F# - A - D3 songs
Gear for Open D Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Compass" in Open D 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Compass” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Compass" by Uchu Conbini in?
"Compass" is played in Open D Tuning: D - A - D - F# - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Compass"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Open D Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Uchu Conbini songs use this tuning?
"8Films", "A Man Who Entered Nirvana" — all in D - A - D - F# - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Uchu Conbini
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Uchu Conbini:
Other Songs in Open D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - D, try playing these tracks next: