Heart is a Drum
byBeck
Required String Notes:CGCFCF
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCFCF).
Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
F175
C262
F349
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Heart is a Drum”:
| 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 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | F4 | Tune up a half step |
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
"Heart is a Drum" by Beck is played in Custom Tuning (CGCFCF) (CGCFCF). 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 F, string 2 up to C, string 1 up to F. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGCFCF).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)
Already tuned to CGCFCF? These tunings are just one small change away.
Pink Moon Modal13 songs
C - G - C - F - C - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of F.Custom Tuning (CFCFCF)3 songs
CFCFCFOnly string 5 differs: F instead of G.Custom Tuning (CGCGCF)2 songs
CGCGCFOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F.Custom Tuning (CGCFCD)1 song
CGCFCDOnly string 1 differs: D instead of F.Beck’s Guitar Tunings
Beck plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCFCF). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)CGCFCF1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)
Strings and tools that make playing "Heart is a Drum" in Custom Tuning (CGCFCF) 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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“Heart is a Drum” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Heart is a Drum" by Beck in?
"Heart is a Drum" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCFCF): CGCFCF, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Heart is a Drum"?
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 a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune up a half step (E4 → F4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Beck
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Beck:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGCFCF)
Once tuned to CGCFCF, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (EADGBC)Intermediate
EADGBCNo Capo