Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)
Required String Notes:D#G#D#F#A#D#
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#).
Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
G#104
D#156
F#185
A#233
D#311
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | D#3 | Tune up 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 | D#4 | Tune down a half step |
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
"Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)" by Metallica is played in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#) (D#G#D#F#A#D#). 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 G#, string 4 up to D#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)
Already tuned to D#G#D#F#A#D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 4 differs: C# instead of D#.Custom Tuning (EAEGBE)8 songs
EAEGBESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (FG#D#F#A#D#)2 songs
FG#D#F#A#D#Only string 6 differs: F instead of D#.Custom Tuning (DGDFAD)1 song
DGDFADSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Metallica’s Guitar Tunings
Metallica plays 1 of 23 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)" in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)" by Metallica in?
"Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)" is played in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#): D#G#D#F#A#D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Invisible Kid (Kirk's Guitar)"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune up a half step (D3 → D#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 a half step (E4 → D#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Metallica
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Metallica:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#G#D#F#A#D#)
Once tuned to D#G#D#F#A#D#, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)Intermediate
DAFCGDNo Capo