Hold On Till May Acoustic
Required String Notes:C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#
Tune to C# Standard TuningHow to Tune from Standard to C# Standard Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Hold On Till May Acoustic”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 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
"Hold On Till May Acoustic" by Pierce the Veil is played in C# Standard Tuning (C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#). 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 F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Pierce the Veil uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to C# Standard Tuning
Already tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs
D - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.B Standard / Baritone75 songs
B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.C Standard Tuning49 songs
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Pierce the Veil’s Guitar Tunings
Pierce the Veil plays 3 of 6 songs in our catalog in C# Standard Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- C# Standard TuningC# - F# - B - E - G# - C#3 songs
Gear for C# Standard Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Hold On Till May Acoustic" in C# Standard Tuning 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Hold On Till May Acoustic” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Hold On Till May Acoustic" by Pierce the Veil in?
"Hold On Till May Acoustic" is played in C# Standard Tuning: C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Hold On Till May Acoustic"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for C# Standard Tuning?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Pierce the Veil songs use this tuning?
"Bulls In The Bronx", "caraphernelia" — all in C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Pierce the Veil
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pierce the Veil:
Other Songs in C# Standard Tuning
Once tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, try playing these tracks next:
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo