Eighties

byKilling Joke

Required String Notes:DAFCGD

Tune to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)

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

Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)

±0

Target: 73.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

D73

A110

F175

C262

G392

D587

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Eighties”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	F3	Tune up 3 semitones
String 3	G3	C4	Tune up 5 semitones
String 2	B3	G4	Tune up 8 semitones
String 1	E4	D5	Tune up 10 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Eighties" by Killing Joke is played in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD) (DAFCGD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 up to F, string 3 up to C, string 2 up to G, string 1 up to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DAFCGD).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)

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

Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)6 songs

EBGDAESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Custom Tuning (CGD#A#FC)3 songs

CGD#A#FCSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)1 song

D#A#F#C#G#D#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Gear for Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)

Strings and tools that make playing "Eighties" in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD) easier.

Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)

Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.

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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Eighties” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Eighties" by Killing Joke in?

"Eighties" is played in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD): DAFCGD, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Eighties"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune up 3 semitones (D3 → F3). String 3: tune up 5 semitones (G3 → C4). String 2: tune up 8 semitones (B3 → G4). String 1: tune up 10 semitones (E4 → D5). Leave the other strings as they are.