Tune to Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GGCCA#A#).

Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
G98
C131
C131
A#233
A#233

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “I Love Her All The Time”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2G2Tune up 3 semitones
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3C3Tune down 7 semitones
String 2B3A#3Tune down a half step
String 1E4A#3Tune down 6 semitones
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"I Love Her All The Time" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#) (GGCCA#A#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to C, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to A#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Sonic Youth uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings

Sonic Youth plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#). Most-used tunings:

Gear for Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)

Strings and tools that make playing "I Love Her All The Time" in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#) easier.

Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)

Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“I Love Her All The Time” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "I Love Her All The Time" by Sonic Youth in?

"I Love Her All The Time" is played in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#): GGCCA#A#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "I Love Her All The Time"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down 7 semitones (G3 → C3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down 6 semitones (E4 → A#3).

What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)?

Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.

Which other Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?

"Ghost Bitch" — all in GGCCA#A#, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by Sonic Youth

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:

View all 18 songs
Teen Age Riot NoiseIntermediate
G - A - B - D - E - GNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)Intermediate
EGDGBENo Capo
Custom Tuning (F#F#GGAA)Intermediate
F#F#GGAANo Capo
Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)Intermediate
GGCCA#A#No Capo

Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GGCCA#A#)

Once tuned to GGCCA#A#, try playing these tracks next:

Custom Tuning (EG#BF#BD#)Intermediate
EG#BF#BD#No Capo
Custom Tuning (EABGGE)Intermediate
EABGGENo Capo
Custom Tuning (AEADGC)Intermediate
AEADGCNo Capo
Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)Intermediate
CGCGGENo Capo
Custom Tuning (EADGBC)Intermediate
EADGBCNo Capo
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)Intermediate
C#G#C#FG#C#No Capo
Custom Tuning (EBEF#BD#)Intermediate
EBEF#BD#No Capo
Custom Tuning (GADF#BD)Intermediate
GADF#BDNo Capo