Half Moon Bay
Required String Notes:CGCDGC
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCDGC).
Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
D147
G196
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Half Moon Bay”:
| 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 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
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
"Half Moon Bay" by Sun kil Moon is played in Custom Tuning (CGCDGC) (CGCDGC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Sun kil Moon uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)
Already tuned to CGCDGC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Major (CGCEGC)19 songs
C - G - C - E - G - COnly string 3 differs: E instead of D.DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.CGCFGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 3 differs: F instead of D.CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 3 differs: G instead of D.Sun kil Moon’s Guitar Tunings
Sun kil Moon plays 2 of 7 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCDGC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)CGCDGC2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Half Moon Bay" in Custom Tuning (CGCDGC) 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.
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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“Half Moon Bay” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Half Moon Bay" by Sun kil Moon in?
"Half Moon Bay" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCDGC): CGCDGC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Half Moon Bay"?
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 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Sun kil Moon songs use this tuning?
"For Third and Seneca" — all in CGCDGC, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Sun kil Moon
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sun kil Moon:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGCDGC)
Once tuned to CGCDGC, try playing these tracks next: