Incinerate
Required String Notes:D#D#A#D#GG
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#D#A#D#GG).
Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
D#78
A#117
D#156
G196
G196
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Incinerate”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | D#2 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A#2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D#3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G3 | Tune down 9 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Incinerate" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG) (D#D#A#D#GG). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D#, string 5 down to D#, string 4 down to A#, string 3 down to D#, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 9 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG).
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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)
Strings and tools that make playing "Incinerate" in Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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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“Incinerate” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Incinerate" by Sonic Youth in?
"Incinerate" is played in Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG): D#D#A#D#GG, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Incinerate"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune down 6 semitones (A2 → D#2). String 4: tune down 4 semitones (D3 → A#2). String 3: tune down 4 semitones (G3 → D#3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 9 semitones (E4 → G3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#D#A#D#GG)
Once tuned to D#D#A#D#GG, try playing these tracks next: