Tune to Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BBDGBE).
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Forty five hundered times”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | B1 | Tune down 10 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | G2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E3 | Tune down 12 semitones |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Forty five hundered times" by Status Quo is played in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE) (BBDGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to B, string 4 down to D, string 3 down to G, string 2 down to B, string 1 down to E. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 12 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (BBDGBE).
Status Quo’s Guitar Tunings
Status Quo plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)BBDGBE1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Forty five hundered times" in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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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“Forty five hundered times” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Forty five hundered times" by Status Quo in?
"Forty five hundered times" is played in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE): BBDGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Forty five hundered times"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 10 semitones (A2 → B1). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 12 semitones (G3 → G2). String 2: tune down 12 semitones (B3 → B2). String 1: tune down 12 semitones (E4 → E3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
More Songs by Status Quo
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Status Quo:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Once tuned to BBDGBE, try playing these tracks next: