low
Required String Notes:C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#
Tune to C# Standard TuningHow to Tune from Standard to C# Standard Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “low”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"low" by Testament is played in C# Standard Tuning (C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C#, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 51 other songs in our catalog use C# Standard Tuning.
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Tunings Close to C# Standard Tuning
Already tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs
D - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.B Standard / Baritone75 songs
B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.C Standard Tuning49 songs
C - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Gear for C# Standard Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "low" in C# Standard Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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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“low” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "low" by Testament in?
"low" is played in C# Standard Tuning: C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "low"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for C# Standard Tuning?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Other Songs in C# Standard Tuning
Once tuned to C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#, try playing these tracks next:
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo