Neon
Required String Notes:C - A - D - G - B - E
Tune to Neon Drop C TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Neon Drop C Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Neon”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
Legendary acoustic fingerstyle track with dropped low C bass string used for slap-thumb basslines while keeping upper strings in standard tuning.
Key Chord Voicings:
Cm7 (x-3-1-3-x-x)Bb/C (x-1-3-3-x-x)
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Neon Drop C Tuning
Already tuned to C - A - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of C.Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.CGDGBE Tuning19 songs
C - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.AADGBE Tuning19 songs
A - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: A instead of C.John Mayer’s Guitar Tunings
John Mayer plays 1 of 5 songs in our catalog in Neon Drop C Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Neon Drop C TuningC - A - D - G - B - E1 song
Gear for Neon Drop C Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Neon" in Neon Drop C Tuning 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 1 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Neon” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Neon" by John Mayer in?
"Neon" is played in Neon Drop C Tuning: C - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Neon"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Neon Drop C Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by John Mayer
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Mayer:
Esus2 Tuning (E B E F# B E)Intermediate
E - B - E - F# - B - ENo Capo