Honolulu Blue
Required String Notes:EAC#GBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EAC#GBE).
Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
C#139
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Honolulu Blue”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Honolulu Blue" by Chet Atkins is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE) (EAC#GBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 4 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 1 semitone down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)
Already tuned to EAC#GBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 4 differs: D instead of C#.Custom Tuning (EAEGBE)8 songs
EAEGBEOnly string 4 differs: E instead of C#.Custom Tuning (EAC#G#BE)5 songs
EAC#G#BEOnly string 3 differs: G# instead of G.Custom Tuning (EAC#F#BE)4 songs
EAC#F#BEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Chet Atkins’s Guitar Tunings
Chet Atkins plays 1 of 5 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)EAC#GBE1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Honolulu Blue" in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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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“Honolulu Blue” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Honolulu Blue" by Chet Atkins in?
"Honolulu Blue" is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE): EAC#GBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Honolulu Blue"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Chet Atkins
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Chet Atkins:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)
Once tuned to EAC#GBE, try playing these tracks next: