Fight this Generation
byPavement
Required String Notes:C - G - D - G - B - E
Tune to CGDGBE TuningHow to Tune from Standard to CGDGBE Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Fight this Generation”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Fight this Generation" by Pavement is played in CGDGBE Tuning (C - G - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Pavement uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to CGDGBE Tuning
Already tuned to C - G - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)17 songs
D - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Neon Drop C Tuning13 songs
C - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#A#D#)7 songs
BF#C#F#A#D#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)6 songs
CGCGBEOnly string 4 differs: C instead of D.Pavement’s Guitar Tunings
Pavement plays 3 of 14 songs in our catalog in CGDGBE Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADABE)DADABE3 songs
- CGDGBE TuningC - G - D - G - B - E3 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGDABE)CGDABE2 songs
Gear for CGDGBE Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Fight this Generation" in CGDGBE Tuning 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 2 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Fight this Generation” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Fight this Generation" by Pavement in?
"Fight this Generation" is played in CGDGBE Tuning: C - G - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Fight this Generation"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for CGDGBE Tuning?
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 Pavement songs use this tuning?
"Loretta's Scars", "Zurich is Stained" — all in C - G - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Pavement
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pavement:
Other Songs in CGDGBE Tuning
Once tuned to C - G - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next: