hotel california
byEagles
Required String Notes:ABDBEG
Tune to Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)Tune to Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ABDBEG).
Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
B62
D73
B123
E165
G196
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “hotel california”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | B1 | Tune down 10 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | B2 | Tune down 8 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | E3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G3 | Tune down 9 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"hotel california" by Eagles is played in Custom Tuning (ABDBEG) (ABDBEG). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to B, string 4 down to D, string 3 down to B, string 2 down to E, string 1 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 12 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (ABDBEG).
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Eagles’s Guitar Tunings
Eagles plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ABDBEG). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)ABDBEG1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)
Strings and tools that make playing "hotel california" in Custom Tuning (ABDBEG) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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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“hotel california” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "hotel california" by Eagles in?
"hotel california" is played in Custom Tuning (ABDBEG): ABDBEG, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "hotel california"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 10 semitones (A2 → B1). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 8 semitones (G3 → B2). String 2: tune down 7 semitones (B3 → E3). String 1: tune down 9 semitones (E4 → G3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
More Songs by Eagles
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Eagles:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ABDBEG)
Once tuned to ABDBEG, try playing these tracks next: