Dirty Boots
Required String Notes:EGDGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EGDGBE).
Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
G98
D147
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Dirty Boots”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Dirty Boots" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (EGDGBE) (EGDGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 5 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Sonic Youth uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)
Already tuned to EGDGBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.CGDGBE Tuning19 songs
C - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: C instead of E.DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)17 songs
D - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EGDGBD)2 songs
EGDGBDOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EGDGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Dirty Boots" in Custom Tuning (EGDGBE) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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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“Dirty Boots” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Dirty Boots" by Sonic Youth in?
"Dirty Boots" is played in Custom Tuning (EGDGBE): EGDGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Dirty Boots"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?
"Sugar Kane" — all in EGDGBE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)
Once tuned to EGDGBE, try playing these tracks next: