Embryo

Required String Notes:C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#

How to Tune from Standard to C# Standard Tuning

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

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	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: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Embryo" by Black Sabbath is played in C# Standard Tuning (C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#). 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 B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Black Sabbath uses this same tuning on 5 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to C# Standard Tuning

Already tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs

Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs

D - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

B Standard / Baritone75 songs

B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

C Standard Tuning49 songs

C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Black Sabbath’s Guitar Tunings

Black Sabbath plays 6 of 10 songs in our catalog in C# Standard Tuning. Most-used tunings:

C# Standard TuningC# - F# - B - E - G# - C#6 songs
Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E3 songs
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardEb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb1 song

Gear for C# Standard Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Embryo" in C# Standard Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)

Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.

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

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“Embryo” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Embryo" by Black Sabbath in?

"Embryo" is played in C# Standard Tuning: C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, from the lowest to the highest string.

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

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 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 C# Standard Tuning?

Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.

Which other Black Sabbath songs use this tuning?

"Children of the Grave", "Into The Void", "Lord of This World", "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", "Symptom of The Universe" — all in C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, so you can play them without retuning.