Little Guitars
Required String Notes:FCFA#DG
Tune to Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)Tune to Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (FCFA#DG).
Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)
±0
F
Target: 87.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F87
C131
F175
A#233
D294
G392
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Little Guitars”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | C3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | F3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | A#3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | D4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Little Guitars" by Van Halen is played in Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG) (FCFA#DG). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F, string 5 up to C, string 4 up to F, string 3 up to A#, string 2 up to D, string 1 up to G. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)
Already tuned to FCFA#DG? These tunings are just one small change away.
Van Halen’s Guitar Tunings
Van Halen plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)FCFA#DG1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)
Strings and tools that make playing "Little Guitars" in Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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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“Little Guitars” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Little Guitars" by Van Halen in?
"Little Guitars" is played in Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG): FCFA#DG, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Little Guitars"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). String 5: tune up 3 semitones (A2 → C3). String 4: tune up 3 semitones (D3 → F3). String 3: tune up 3 semitones (G3 → A#3). String 2: tune up 3 semitones (B3 → D4). String 1: tune up 3 semitones (E4 → G4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Van Halen
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Van Halen:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (FCFA#DG)
Once tuned to FCFA#DG, try playing these tracks next: