How to Tune from Standard to C Standard

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Feel Good Hit of the Summer”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2F2Tune down 4 semitones
String 4D3Bb2Tune down 4 semitones
String 3G3Eb3Tune down 4 semitones
String 2B3G3Tune down 4 semitones
String 1E4C4Tune down 4 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

"Feel Good Hit of the Summer" by Queens of the Stone Age is played in C Standard (C - F - Bb - Eb - 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 Bb, string 3 down to Eb, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Queens of the Stone Age uses this same tuning on 3 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to C Standard

Already tuned to C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.

Queens of the Stone Age’s Guitar Tunings

Queens of the Stone Age plays 4 of 8 songs in our catalog in C Standard. Most-used tunings:

Gear for C Standard

Strings and tools that make playing "Feel Good Hit of the Summer" in C Standard 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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“Feel Good Hit of the Summer” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Feel Good Hit of the Summer" by Queens of the Stone Age in?

"Feel Good Hit of the Summer" is played in C Standard: C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Feel Good Hit of the Summer"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down 4 semitones (D3 → Bb2). String 3: tune down 4 semitones (G3 → Eb3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).

What string gauge should I use for C Standard?

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

Which other Queens of the Stone Age songs use this tuning?

"a song for the deaf", "Better living through chemistry", "Song For The Dead" — all in C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by Queens of the Stone Age

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Queens of the Stone Age:

View all 8 songs
C# StandardIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Custom Tuning (CGD#A#FC)Intermediate
CGD#A#FCNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo

Other Songs in C Standard

Once tuned to C - F - Bb - Eb - G - C, try playing these tracks next:

C StandardIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo
C Standard TuningIntermediate
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CNo Capo