How Would You Know
Required String Notes:C#F#C#F#A#C#
Tune to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)Tune to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#).
Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
F#92
C#139
F#185
A#233
C#277
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “How Would You Know”:
| 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 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
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
"How Would You Know" by Big Wreck is played in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#) (C#F#C#F#A#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 C#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Big Wreck uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)
Already tuned to C#F#C#F#A#C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)11 songs
C#G#C#F#A#C#Only string 5 differs: G# instead of F#.Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#A#C#)10 songs
BF#C#F#A#C#Only string 6 differs: B instead of C#.Open F Tuning7 songs
C - F - C - F - A - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Big Wreck’s Guitar Tunings
Big Wreck plays 2 of 11 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)C#F#C#F#A#C#2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)
Strings and tools that make playing "How Would You Know" in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“How Would You Know” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "How Would You Know" by Big Wreck in?
"How Would You Know" is played in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#): C#F#C#F#A#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "How Would You Know"?
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 a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Big Wreck songs use this tuning?
"Locomotive" — all in C#F#C#F#A#C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Big Wreck
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Big Wreck:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)
Once tuned to C#F#C#F#A#C#, try playing these tracks next: