Drunken Butterfly
Required String Notes:F#F#GGAA
Tune to Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)Tune to Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (F#F#GGAA).
Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)
±0
F#
Target: 92.5 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F#92
F#92
G98
G98
A110
A110
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Drunken Butterfly”:
| 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 | G2 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | G2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A2 | Tune down 14 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | A2 | Tune down 19 semitones |
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
"Drunken Butterfly" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA) (F#F#GGAA). 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 G, string 3 down to G, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to A. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Sonic Youth uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 3 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)F#F#GGAA3 songs
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)
Strings and tools that make playing "Drunken Butterfly" in Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA) 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.
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“Drunken Butterfly” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Drunken Butterfly" by Sonic Youth in?
"Drunken Butterfly" is played in Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA): F#F#GGAA, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Drunken Butterfly"?
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 7 semitones (D3 → G2). String 3: tune down 12 semitones (G3 → G2). String 2: tune down 14 semitones (B3 → A2). String 1: tune down 19 semitones (E4 → A2).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?
"Schizophrenia", "Tom Violence" — all in F#F#GGAA, 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 (F#F#GGAA)
Once tuned to F#F#GGAA, try playing these tracks next: