Head Down

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 “Head Down”:

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

"Head Down" by Soundgarden 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. 9 other songs in our catalog use C6 Tuning (CACGCE).

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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.

Soundgarden’s Guitar Tunings

Soundgarden plays 1 of 25 songs in our catalog in C6 Tuning (CACGCE). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)EEBBBB5 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E3 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)CGCGGE3 songs
DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)D - G - D - G - B - E2 songs
CGDGBE TuningC - G - D - G - B - E2 songs

Gear for C6 Tuning (CACGCE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Head Down" 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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“Head Down” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Head Down" by Soundgarden in?

"Head Down" 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 "Head Down"?

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.