Losing a Whole Year
Required String Notes:F#AC#F#G#E
Tune to Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)Tune to Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (F#AC#F#G#E).
Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)
±0
F#
Target: 92.5 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F#92
A110
C#139
F#185
G#208
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Losing a Whole Year”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F#2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Losing a Whole Year" by Third Eye Blind is played in Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E) (F#AC#F#G#E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F#, string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to G#. 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#AC#F#G#E).
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Third Eye Blind’s Guitar Tunings
Third Eye Blind plays 1 of 8 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)F#AC#F#G#E1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)
Strings and tools that make playing "Losing a Whole Year" in Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Losing a Whole Year” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Losing a Whole Year" by Third Eye Blind in?
"Losing a Whole Year" is played in Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E): F#AC#F#G#E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Losing a Whole Year"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a whole step (E2 → F#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Third Eye Blind
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Third Eye Blind:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (F#AC#F#G#E)
Once tuned to F#AC#F#G#E, try playing these tracks next: