How to Tune from Standard to CGDGBE Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Limo Wreck”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave as is
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

"Limo Wreck" by Soundgarden is played in CGDGBE Tuning (C - G - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Soundgarden uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to CGDGBE Tuning

Already tuned to C - G - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Soundgarden’s Guitar Tunings

Soundgarden plays 2 of 25 songs in our catalog in CGDGBE Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Gear for CGDGBE Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Limo Wreck" in CGDGBE Tuning 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.

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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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 2 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“Limo Wreck” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Limo Wreck" by Soundgarden in?

"Limo Wreck" is played in CGDGBE Tuning: C - G - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Limo Wreck"?

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). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for CGDGBE Tuning?

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 Soundgarden songs use this tuning?

"mailman" — all in C - G - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by Soundgarden

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Soundgarden:

View all 25 songs
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Custom Tuning (CFCGBE)Intermediate
CFCGBENo Capo
Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)Intermediate
CGCGGENo Capo
Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)Intermediate
EEBBBBNo Capo

Other Songs in CGDGBE Tuning

Once tuned to C - G - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next:

CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo
CGDGBE TuningIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo