Karen Revisited
Required String Notes:CGDGCD
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGDGCD).
Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D147
G196
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Karen Revisited”:
| 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 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Karen Revisited" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (CGDGCD) (CGDGCD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Sonic Youth uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)
Already tuned to CGDGCD? These tunings are just one small change away.
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)12 songs
C - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 4 differs: C instead of D.Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)4 songs
DGDGCDOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (CGDGGD)3 songs
CGDGGDOnly string 2 differs: G instead of C.Custom Tuning (FGDGCD)2 songs
FGDGCDOnly string 6 differs: F instead of C.Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGDGCD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
- Orkney (CGDGCD)C - G - D - G - C - D2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Karen Revisited" in Custom Tuning (CGDGCD) 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.
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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Karen Revisited” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Karen Revisited" by Sonic Youth in?
"Karen Revisited" is played in Custom Tuning (CGDGCD): CGDGCD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Karen Revisited"?
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 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?
"Stones" — all in CGDGCD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGDGCD)
Once tuned to CGDGCD, try playing these tracks next: