Magic

byColdplay

Required String Notes:EADF#AE

Tune to Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EADF#AE).

Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)

±0

Target: 82.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

E82

A110

D147

F#185

A220

E330

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Magic”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	E2	Leave as is
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	D3	Leave as is
String 3	G3	F#3	Tune down a half step
String 2	B3	A3	Tune down a whole step
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

"Magic" by Coldplay is played in Custom Tuning (EADF#AE) (EADF#AE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EADF#AE).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)

Already tuned to EADF#AE? These tunings are just one small change away.

Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)13 songs

D - A - D - F# - A - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.

Lute / Renaissance Tuning12 songs

E - A - D - F# - B - EOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A.

EADGAE Tuning10 songs

E - A - D - G - A - EOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.

Custom Tuning (EADF#AD)1 song

EADF#ADOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.

Coldplay’s Guitar Tunings

Coldplay plays 1 of 14 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EADF#AE). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (EADGBC)EADGBC2 songs
C# Standard TuningC# - F# - B - E - G# - C#2 songs
Open E TuningE - B - E - G# - B - E1 song
Custom Tuning (EADGC#C#)EADGC#C#1 song
Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)EADF#AE1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Magic" in Custom Tuning (EADF#AE) 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.

View strings

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.

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“Magic” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Magic" by Coldplay in?

"Magic" is played in Custom Tuning (EADF#AE): EADF#AE, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Magic"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.