Ghost Bitch
Required String Notes:GGCCA#A#
Tune to Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)Tune to Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GGCCA#A#).
Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
G98
C131
C131
A#233
A#233
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Ghost Bitch”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G2 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | C3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | A#3 | Tune down 6 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
"Ghost Bitch" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#) (GGCCA#A#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to C, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to A#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Sonic Youth uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
- Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)GGCCA#A#2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Ghost Bitch" in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Ghost Bitch” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Ghost Bitch" by Sonic Youth in?
"Ghost Bitch" is played in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#): GGCCA#A#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Ghost Bitch"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down 7 semitones (G3 → C3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down 6 semitones (E4 → A#3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?
"I Love Her All The Time" — all in GGCCA#A#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)
Once tuned to GGCCA#A#, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (EAC#G#BE)Intermediate
EAC#G#BENo Capo