Hoping Machine
Required String Notes:C - G - C - G - C - D
Tune to CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)How to Tune from Standard to CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Hoping Machine”:
| 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 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole 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
"Hoping Machine" by Jay Farrar (Woody Guthrie) is played in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal) (C - G - C - G - C - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 11 other songs in our catalog use CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal).
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Tunings Close to CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)
Already tuned to C - G - C - G - C - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs
CGCGCCOnly string 1 differs: C instead of D.Custom Tuning (DADADE)8 songs
DADADESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.The Rain Song (DGCGCD)5 songs
D - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Gear for CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)
Strings and tools that make playing "Hoping Machine" in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Hoping Machine” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Hoping Machine" by Jay Farrar (Woody Guthrie) in?
"Hoping Machine" is played in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal): C - G - C - G - C - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Hoping Machine"?
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 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Other Songs in CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)
Once tuned to C - G - C - G - C - D, try playing these tracks next:
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)Intermediate
C - G - C - G - C - DNo Capo
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)Intermediate
C - G - C - G - C - DNo Capo