Nightmare
byPolaris
Required String Notes:GCGCFAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GCGCFAD).
Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
C131
G196
C262
F349
A440
D587
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)
Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Nightmare”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 7 | B1 | G2 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 6 | E2 | C3 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G3 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C4 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | F4 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A4 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D5 | Tune up 10 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Nightmare" by Polaris is played in Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD) (GCGCFAD). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 up to G, string 6 up to C, string 5 up to G, string 4 up to C, string 3 up to F, string 2 up to A, string 1 up to D. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)
Already tuned to GCGCFAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Polaris’s Guitar Tunings
Polaris plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)GCGCFAD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Nightmare" in Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)
Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
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 7 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Nightmare” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Nightmare" by Polaris in?
"Nightmare" is played in Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD): GCGCFAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Nightmare"?
Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune up 8 semitones (B1 → G2). String 6: tune up 8 semitones (E2 → C3). String 5: tune up 10 semitones (A2 → G3). String 4: tune up 10 semitones (D3 → C4). String 3: tune up 10 semitones (G3 → F4). String 2: tune up 10 semitones (B3 → A4). String 1: tune up 10 semitones (E4 → D5).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)?
Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
More Songs by Polaris
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Polaris:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GCGCFAD)
Once tuned to GCGCFAD, try playing these tracks next: