Kool Thing
Required String Notes:F#F#F#F#EB
Tune to Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB)Tune to Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (F#F#F#F#EB).
Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB)
±0
F#
Target: 92.5 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F#92
F#92
F#92
F#92
E165
B247
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Kool Thing”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F#2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | F#2 | Tune down 8 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | F#2 | Tune down 13 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | E3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | B3 | Tune down 5 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
"Kool Thing" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB) (F#F#F#F#EB). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F#, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to F#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to E, 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 (F#F#F#F#EB).
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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB)
Strings and tools that make playing "Kool Thing" in Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB) 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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“Kool Thing” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Kool Thing" by Sonic Youth in?
"Kool Thing" is played in Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB): F#F#F#F#EB, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Kool Thing"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a whole step (E2 → F#2). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 8 semitones (D3 → F#2). String 3: tune down 13 semitones (G3 → F#2). String 2: tune down 7 semitones (B3 → E3). String 1: tune down 5 semitones (E4 → B3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (F#F#F#F#EB)?
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 (F#F#F#F#EB)
Once tuned to F#F#F#F#EB, try playing these tracks next: