Junkies Promise
Required String Notes:DADABB
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADABB)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADABB)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADABB).
Custom Tuning (DADABB)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
A220
B247
B247
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADABB)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Junkies Promise”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | B3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
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
"Junkies Promise" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (DADABB) (DADABB). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 up to A, string 1 down to B. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADABB).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADABB)
Already tuned to DADABB? These tunings are just one small change away.
Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADABB). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADABB)
Strings and tools that make playing "Junkies Promise" in Custom Tuning (DADABB) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Junkies Promise” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Junkies Promise" by Sonic Youth in?
"Junkies Promise" is played in Custom Tuning (DADABB): DADABB, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Junkies Promise"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 1: tune down 5 semitones (E4 → B3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADABB)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADABB)
Once tuned to DADABB, try playing these tracks next: