Danzon
Required String Notes:A#FCGAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (A#FCGAD).
Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
±0
A#
Target: 58.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A#58
F87
C131
G196
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Danzon”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A#1 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Danzon" by Carl Kress is played in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD) (A#FCGAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A#, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 6 semitones down. Carl Kress uses this same tuning on 4 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 (A#FCGAD)
Already tuned to A#FCGAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Carl Kress’s Guitar Tunings
Carl Kress plays 5 of 5 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)A#FCGAD5 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Danzon" in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD) 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.
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 5 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.
“Danzon” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Danzon" by Carl Kress in?
"Danzon" is played in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD): A#FCGAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Danzon"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 6 semitones (E2 → A#1). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). 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 Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Carl Kress songs use this tuning?
"Afterthoughts", "Helena", "Picking My Way", "Sutton Mutton" — all in A#FCGAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Carl Kress
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Carl Kress:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (A#FCGAD)
Once tuned to A#FCGAD, try playing these tracks next: