Standard E TuningAlternative RockBeginnerNo Capo

No Surprises

Required String Notes:E - A - D - G - B - E

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

Radiohead's lullaby-like closer from OK Computer is built on gentle open-chord arpeggios in standard tuning (the studio recording sits about a half step lower). The ringing, glockenspiel-like guitar figure is its signature.

Key Chord Voicings:

F (1-3-3-2-1-1)C (x-3-2-0-1-0)G (3-2-0-0-0-3)

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Tunings Close to Standard E Tuning

Already tuned to E - A - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Drop D Tuning130 songs

D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.

Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs

Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs

D - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

AADGBE Tuning19 songs

A - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: A instead of E.

Radiohead’s Guitar Tunings

Radiohead plays 2 of 14 songs in our catalog in Standard E Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
EADGAE TuningE - A - D - G - A - E2 songs
AADGBE TuningA - A - D - G - B - E1 song
Custom Tuning (DADGCD)DADGCD1 song
DADAC#E TuningD - A - D - A - C# - E1 song

Gear for Standard E Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "No Surprises" in Standard E 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.

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“No Surprises” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "No Surprises" by Radiohead in?

"No Surprises" is played in Standard E Tuning: E - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string. That is standard tuning, so no retuning is needed.