Im A Mess
Required String Notes:EADEBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EADEBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EADEBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EADEBE).
Custom Tuning (EADEBE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
D147
E165
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EADEBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Im A Mess”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Im A Mess" by Ed Sheeran is played in Custom Tuning (EADEBE) (EADEBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 3 down to E. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Ed Sheeran uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EADEBE)
Already tuned to EADEBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 3 differs: G instead of E.Lute / Renaissance Tuning12 songs
E - A - D - F# - B - EOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of E.Custom Tuning (EADABE)4 songs
EADABEOnly string 3 differs: A instead of E.Custom Tuning (EAC#EBE)4 songs
EAC#EBEOnly string 4 differs: C# instead of D.Ed Sheeran’s Guitar Tunings
Ed Sheeran plays 3 of 4 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EADEBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EADEBE)EADEBE3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EADEBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Im A Mess" in Custom Tuning (EADEBE) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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 1 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Im A Mess” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Im A Mess" by Ed Sheeran in?
"Im A Mess" is played in Custom Tuning (EADEBE): EADEBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Im A Mess"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EADEBE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Ed Sheeran songs use this tuning?
"Bloodstream", "Tenerife Sea" — all in EADEBE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Ed Sheeran
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Ed Sheeran:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EADEBE)
Once tuned to EADEBE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (DDDDDD)Intermediate
DDDDDDNo Capo