Katy Song
Required String Notes:C#G#C#FA#D#
Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#).
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
G#104
C#139
F175
A#233
D#311
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Katy Song”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D#4 | Tune down a half 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
"Katy Song" by Red House Painters is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#) (C#G#C#FA#D#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C#, string 5 down to G#, string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)
Already tuned to C#G#C#FA#D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of F.Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs
DADF#BESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (CGCEAD)2 songs
CGCEADSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#C#)2 songs
C#G#C#FA#C#Only string 1 differs: C# instead of D#.Red House Painters’s Guitar Tunings
Red House Painters plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)C#G#C#FA#D#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Katy Song" in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Katy Song” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Katy Song" by Red House Painters in?
"Katy Song" is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#): C#G#C#FA#D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Katy Song"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). 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 (C#G#C#FA#D#)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Red House Painters
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Red House Painters:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FA#D#)
Once tuned to C#G#C#FA#D#, try playing these tracks next: