Little Lion Man
Required String Notes:C - A - C - G - C - E
Tune to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)How to Tune from Standard to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Little Lion Man”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave 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
"Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons is played in C6 Tuning (CACGCE) (C - A - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Mumford and Sons uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Already tuned to C - A - C - G - C - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Never Meant / Midwest Emo34 songs
F - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: F instead of C.Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.DACGCE3 songs
D - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (EACGCE)1 song
EACGCEOnly string 6 differs: E instead of C.Mumford and Sons’s Guitar Tunings
Mumford and Sons plays 3 of 5 songs in our catalog in C6 Tuning (CACGCE). Most-used tunings:
- C6 Tuning (CACGCE)C - A - C - G - C - E3 songs
Gear for C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Little Lion Man" in C6 Tuning (CACGCE) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Little Lion Man” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons in?
"Little Lion Man" is played in C6 Tuning (CACGCE): C - A - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Little Lion Man"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for C6 Tuning (CACGCE)?
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 Mumford and Sons songs use this tuning?
"little loinman", "Sigh No More" — all in C - A - C - G - C - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Mumford and Sons
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Mumford and Sons:
Other Songs in C6 Tuning (CACGCE)
Once tuned to C - A - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next:
C6 Tuning (CACGCE)Intermediate
C - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo