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).

Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
B62
D73
G98
B123
E165

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”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2B1Tune down 5 semitones
String 5A2B1Tune down 10 semitones
String 4D3D2Tune down 12 semitones
String 3G3G2Tune down 12 semitones
String 2B3B2Tune down 12 semitones
String 1E4E3Tune down 12 semitones
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link

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).

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Status Quo’s Guitar Tunings

Status Quo plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE). Most-used tunings:

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.

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

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

View winder

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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:

View all 2 songs
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo

Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)

Once tuned to BBDGBE, try playing these tracks next:

Custom Tuning (GGDGGD)Intermediate
GGDGGDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EG#EG#BD#)Intermediate
EG#EG#BD#No Capo
Custom Tuning (A#GCFAD)Intermediate
A#GCFADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)Intermediate
ADGCFADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (AADEBE)Intermediate
AADEBENo Capo
Custom Tuning (DGDGGD)Intermediate
DGDGGDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (CFCGAE)Intermediate
CFCGAENo Capo
Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#)Intermediate
G#D#G#C#FA#No Capo