Doggy
Required String Notes:C#F#C#F#A#D#
Tune to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)Tune to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#).
Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
F#92
C#139
F#185
A#233
D#311
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Doggy”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D#4 | Tune down a half step |
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
"Doggy" by Animal Collective is played in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#) (C#F#C#F#A#D#). 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 C#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)
Already tuned to C#F#C#F#A#D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 5 differs: G# instead of F#.DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)17 songs
D - G - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)8 songs
C#F#C#F#A#C#Only string 1 differs: C# instead of D#.Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#A#D#)7 songs
BF#C#F#A#D#Only string 6 differs: B instead of C#.Animal Collective’s Guitar Tunings
Animal Collective plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)C#F#C#F#A#D#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Doggy" in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#) 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 6 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.
“Doggy” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Doggy" by Animal Collective in?
"Doggy" is played in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#): C#F#C#F#A#D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Doggy"?
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 a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down a half step (E4 → D#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Animal Collective
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Animal Collective:
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#D#)
Once tuned to C#F#C#F#A#D#, try playing these tracks next: