Downfall
Required String Notes:F#F#BEG#C#
Tune to Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)Tune to Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (F#F#BEG#C#).
Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)
±0
F#
Target: 92.5 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F#92
F#92
B123
E165
G#208
C#277
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Downfall”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F#2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
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
"Downfall" by Architects is played in Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#) (F#F#BEG#C#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F#, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Architects 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 (F#F#BEG#C#)
Already tuned to F#F#BEG#C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
C# Standard Tuning52 songs
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#Only string 6 differs: C# instead of F#.Drop B Tuning39 songs
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#Only string 6 differs: B instead of F#.Custom Tuning (A#F#BEG#C#)12 songs
A#F#BEG#C#Only string 6 differs: A# instead of F#.Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)8 songs
GGCFADSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Architects’s Guitar Tunings
Architects plays 2 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)F#F#BEG#C#2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Downfall" in Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#) 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Downfall” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Downfall" by Architects in?
"Downfall" is played in Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#): F#F#BEG#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Downfall"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a whole step (E2 → F#2). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Architects songs use this tuning?
"A Match Made in Heaven" — all in F#F#BEG#C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Architects
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Architects:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)
Once tuned to F#F#BEG#C#, try playing these tracks next: