if this is it

Required String Notes:C - G - C - G - G - C

How to Tune from Standard to CGCGGC Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “if this is it”:

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	G3	Tune down 4 semitones
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 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

"if this is it" by Newton Faulkner is played in CGCGGC Tuning (C - G - C - G - G - C). 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 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 13 other songs in our catalog use CGCGGC Tuning.

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Tunings Close to CGCGGC Tuning

Already tuned to C - G - C - G - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open C Major (CGCEGC)19 songs

C - G - C - E - G - COnly string 3 differs: E instead of G.

CGCFGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.

Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs

CGCGCCOnly string 2 differs: C instead of G.

DADAAD9 songs

D - A - D - A - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Newton Faulkner’s Guitar Tunings

Newton Faulkner plays 1 of 7 songs in our catalog in CGCGGC Tuning. Most-used tunings:

DGDGAD TuningD - G - D - G - A - D2 songs
Open G MinorD - G - D - G - Bb - D1 song
Open D TuningD - A - D - F# - A - D1 song
Custom Tuning (CFCFGC)CFCFGC1 song
CGCGGC TuningC - G - C - G - G - C1 song

Gear for CGCGGC Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "if this is it" in CGCGGC Tuning 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.

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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“if this is it” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "if this is it" by Newton Faulkner in?

"if this is it" is played in CGCGGC Tuning: C - G - C - G - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "if this is it"?

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 down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.