Friends

Required String Notes:C - A - C - G - C - E

How to Tune from Standard to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Friends”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C2	Tune down 4 semitones
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	C3	Tune down a whole step
String 3	G3	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	C4	Tune up a half step
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

"Friends" by Led Zeppelin is played in C6 Tuning (CACGCE) (C - A - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Led Zeppelin 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 C6 Tuning (CACGCE)

Already tuned to C - A - C - G - C - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Never Meant / Midwest Emo34 songs

F - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: F instead of C.

Open C Tuning34 songs

C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.

DACGCE3 songs

D - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.

Custom Tuning (EACGCE)1 song

EACGCEOnly string 6 differs: E instead of C.

Led Zeppelin’s Guitar Tunings

Led Zeppelin plays 3 of 22 songs in our catalog in C6 Tuning (CACGCE). Most-used tunings:

The Rain Song (DGCGCD)D - G - C - G - C - D4 songs
DADGAD Celtic TuningD - A - D - G - A - D3 songs
C6 Tuning (CACGCE)C - A - C - G - C - E3 songs
Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Open F TuningC - F - C - F - A - C2 songs

Gear for C6 Tuning (CACGCE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Friends" in C6 Tuning (CACGCE) 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.

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

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“Friends” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Friends" by Led Zeppelin in?

"Friends" is played in C6 Tuning (CACGCE): C - A - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Friends"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.