Never Meant
Required String Notes:F - A - C - G - C - E
Tune to Never Meant / Midwest EmoHow to Tune from Standard to Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Never Meant”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half 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
"Never Meant" by American Football is played in Never Meant / Midwest Emo (F - A - C - G - C - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. American Football uses this same tuning on 3 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Already tuned to F - A - C - G - C - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
C6 Tuning (CACGCE)10 songs
C - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: C instead of F.Custom Tuning (EG#BF#BD#)9 songs
EG#BF#BD#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.DACGCE3 songs
D - A - C - G - C - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of F.Custom Tuning (FADGCE)3 songs
FADGCEOnly string 4 differs: D instead of C.American Football’s Guitar Tunings
American Football plays 4 of 9 songs in our catalog in Never Meant / Midwest Emo. Most-used tunings:
- Never Meant / Midwest EmoF - A - C - G - C - E4 songs
Gear for Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Strings and tools that make playing "Never Meant" in Never Meant / Midwest Emo 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Never Meant” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Never Meant" by American Football in?
"Never Meant" is played in Never Meant / Midwest Emo: F - A - C - G - C - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Never Meant"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Never Meant / Midwest Emo?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other American Football songs use this tuning?
"The Summer Ends", "For Sure", "Stay Home" — all in F - A - C - G - C - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by American Football
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by American Football:
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Custom Tuning (EAC#G#BE)Intermediate
EAC#G#BENo Capo
Other Songs in Never Meant / Midwest Emo
Once tuned to F - A - C - G - C - E, try playing these tracks next:
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo