dead or alive

byBon Jovi

Required String Notes:BDDDDD

Tune to Custom Tuning (BDDDDD)

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

Custom Tuning (BDDDDD)

±0

Target: 61.7 Hz

-50WAITING+50

B62

D73

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BDDDDD)

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

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	B1	Tune down 5 semitones
String 5	A2	D2	Tune down 7 semitones
String 4	D3	D2	Tune down 12 semitones
String 3	G3	D2	Tune down 17 semitones
String 2	B3	D2	Tune down 21 semitones
String 1	E4	D2	Tune down 26 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"dead or alive" by Bon Jovi is played in Custom Tuning (BDDDDD) (BDDDDD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to D, string 4 down to D, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to D, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 26 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (BDDDDD).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BDDDDD)

Already tuned to BDDDDD? These tunings are just one small change away.

Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)5 songs

DDDDDDOnly string 6 differs: D instead of B.

Gear for Custom Tuning (BDDDDD)

Strings and tools that make playing "dead or alive" in Custom Tuning (BDDDDD) easier.

Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)

Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.

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.

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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.

View winder

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“dead or alive” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "dead or alive" by Bon Jovi in?

"dead or alive" is played in Custom Tuning (BDDDDD): BDDDDD, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "dead or alive"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 7 semitones (A2 → D2). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 17 semitones (G3 → D2). String 2: tune down 21 semitones (B3 → D2). String 1: tune down 26 semitones (E4 → D2).