Hejira
Required String Notes:BF#C#EF#B
Tune to Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)Tune to Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BF#C#EF#B).
Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
F#92
C#139
E165
F#185
B247
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Hejira”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | F#3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | B3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Hejira" by Joni Mitchell is played in Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B) (BF#C#EF#B). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to F#, string 1 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)
Already tuned to BF#C#EF#B? These tunings are just one small change away.
Joni Mitchell’s Guitar Tunings
Joni Mitchell plays 1 of 31 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)CGDFCE5 songs
- Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)FFCGAC3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DAEGCE)DAEGCE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)
Strings and tools that make playing "Hejira" in Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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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“Hejira” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Hejira" by Joni Mitchell in?
"Hejira" is played in Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B): BF#C#EF#B, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Hejira"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 5 semitones (B3 → F#3). String 1: tune down 5 semitones (E4 → B3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Joni Mitchell
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Joni Mitchell:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BF#C#EF#B)
Once tuned to BF#C#EF#B, try playing these tracks next: