Frame by Frame
Required String Notes:C - G - D - A - E - G
Tune to New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)How to Tune from Standard to New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Frame by Frame”:
| 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 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | E4 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
A landmark of interlocking guitar counterpoint from 1981's Discipline. Robert Fripp plays it in his New Standard Tuning (C-G-D-A-E-G), whose all-fifths layout on the lower strings makes the rippling, cyclic cross-picked patterns possible against Adrian Belew's contrasting part.
Key Chord Voicings:
Repeating cross-picked cells in NSTC: 0-0-0-2-3-x
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
King Crimson’s Guitar Tunings
King Crimson plays 2 of 3 songs in our catalog in New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG). Most-used tunings:
- New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)C - G - D - A - E - G2 songs
Gear for New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)
Strings and tools that make playing "Frame by Frame" in New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Frame by Frame” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Frame by Frame" by King Crimson in?
"Frame by Frame" is played in New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG): C - G - D - A - E - G, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Frame by Frame"?
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). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up 5 semitones (B3 → E4). String 1: tune up 3 semitones (E4 → G4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other King Crimson songs use this tuning?
"Discipline" — all in C - G - D - A - E - G, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by King Crimson
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by King Crimson:
Custom Tuning (EADGBC)Intermediate
EADGBCNo Capo
Other Songs in New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)
Once tuned to C - G - D - A - E - G, try playing these tracks next: