London
Required String Notes:CGCGGD
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCGGD).
Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
G196
G196
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “London”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole 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
"London" by Ben Howard is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGGD) (CGCGGD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGCGGD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)
Already tuned to CGCGGD? These tunings are just one small change away.
CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 1 differs: C instead of D.CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)12 songs
C - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 2 differs: C instead of G.Custom Tuning (CGCEGD)5 songs
CGCEGDOnly string 3 differs: E instead of G.Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)4 songs
CGCGGEOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Ben Howard’s Guitar Tunings
Ben Howard plays 1 of 23 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCGGD). Most-used tunings:
- DADAADD - A - D - A - A - D2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)
Strings and tools that make playing "London" in Custom Tuning (CGCGGD) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“London” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "London" by Ben Howard in?
"London" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGGD): CGCGGD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "London"?
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). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)?
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 Ben Howard
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Ben Howard:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGCGGD)
Once tuned to CGCGGD, try playing these tracks next: