Cruel Sun

byAlter Bridge

Required String Notes:C#F#C#F#A#C#

Tune to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#).

Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)

±0

Target: 69.3 Hz

-50WAITING+50

C#69

F#92

C#139

F#185

A#233

C#277

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)

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

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	C#3	Tune down a half step
String 3	G3	F#3	Tune down a half step
String 2	B3	A#3	Tune down a half step
String 1	E4	C#4	Tune down 3 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Cruel Sun" by Alter Bridge is played in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#) (C#F#C#F#A#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 C#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Alter Bridge 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 Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)

Already tuned to C#F#C#F#A#C#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open G Tuning59 songs

D - G - D - G - B - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)11 songs

C#G#C#F#A#C#Only string 5 differs: G# instead of F#.

Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#A#C#)10 songs

BF#C#F#A#C#Only string 6 differs: B instead of C#.

Open F Tuning7 songs

C - F - C - F - A - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Alter Bridge’s Guitar Tunings

Alter Bridge plays 3 of 15 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#). Most-used tunings:

Drop Db / Drop C#Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb3 songs
Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)C#F#C#F#A#C#3 songs
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardEb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb2 songs
Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#G#C#)C#F#C#F#G#C#2 songs
DADADD (Tremonti)D - A - D - A - D - D1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)

Strings and tools that make playing "Cruel Sun" in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#) easier.

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)

Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Cruel Sun” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Cruel Sun" by Alter Bridge in?

"Cruel Sun" is played in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#): C#F#C#F#A#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Cruel Sun"?

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 a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).