Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile
byStaind
Required String Notes:G#C#G#C#F#A#
Tune to Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)Tune to Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#).
Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)
±0
G#
Target: 51.9 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G#52
C#69
G#104
C#139
F#185
A#233
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G#1 | Tune down 8 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | C#2 | Tune down 8 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | G#2 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C#3 | Tune down 6 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | F#3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | A#3 | Tune down 6 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile" by Staind is played in Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#) (G#C#G#C#F#A#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to G#, string 5 down to C#, string 4 down to G#, string 3 down to C#, string 2 down to F#, string 1 down to A#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 8 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)
Already tuned to G#C#G#C#F#A#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Staind’s Guitar Tunings
Staind plays 1 of 11 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)G#C#G#C#F#A#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile" in Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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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“Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile" by Staind in?
"Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile" is played in Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#): G#C#G#C#F#A#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Mudshovel / It’s Been Awhile"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 8 semitones (E2 → G#1). String 5: tune down 8 semitones (A2 → C#2). String 4: tune down 6 semitones (D3 → G#2). String 3: tune down 6 semitones (G3 → C#3). String 2: tune down 5 semitones (B3 → F#3). String 1: tune down 6 semitones (E4 → A#3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
More Songs by Staind
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Staind:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#)
Once tuned to G#C#G#C#F#A#, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)Intermediate
C#F#C#F#A#C#No Capo