Cut Your Hair
byPavement
Required String Notes:CGDABE
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDABE)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDABE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGDABE).
Custom Tuning (CGDABE)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D147
A220
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGDABE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Cut Your Hair”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Cut Your Hair" by Pavement is played in Custom Tuning (CGDABE) (CGDABE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 3 up to A. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Pavement uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGDABE)
Already tuned to CGDABE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Pavement’s Guitar Tunings
Pavement plays 2 of 14 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGDABE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADABE)DADABE3 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGDABE)CGDABE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGDABE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Cut Your Hair" in Custom Tuning (CGDABE) 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.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Cut Your Hair” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Cut Your Hair" by Pavement in?
"Cut Your Hair" is played in Custom Tuning (CGDABE): CGDABE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Cut Your Hair"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGDABE)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Pavement songs use this tuning?
"Filmore Jive" — all in CGDABE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Pavement
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pavement:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGDABE)
Once tuned to CGDABE, try playing these tracks next: