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 “Crumbling Castle”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 5A2F#2Tune down 3 semitones
String 4D3B2Tune down 3 semitones
String 3G3E3Tune down 3 semitones
String 2B3G#3Tune down 3 semitones
String 1E4C#4Tune 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

"Crumbling Castle" by King Gizzard And The Wizard Lizard 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. 51 other songs in our catalog use C# Standard Tuning.

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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.

Gear for C# Standard Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Crumbling Castle" 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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“Crumbling Castle” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Crumbling Castle" by King Gizzard And The Wizard Lizard in?

"Crumbling Castle" 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 "Crumbling Castle"?

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).

What string gauge should I use for C# Standard Tuning?

Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.

Other Songs in C# Standard Tuning

Once tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, try playing these tracks next:

C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo