Nutshell
Required String Notes:D#A#FC#G#D#
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#).
Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
A#117
F175
C#277
G#415
D#622
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Nutshell”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A#2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | F3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C#4 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#4 | Tune up 9 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D#5 | Tune up 11 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Nutshell" by Alice in Chains is played in Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#) (D#A#FC#G#D#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D#, string 5 up to A#, string 4 up to F, string 3 up to C#, string 2 up to G#, string 1 up to D#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)
Already tuned to D#A#FC#G#D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Alice in Chains’s Guitar Tunings
Alice in Chains plays 1 of 16 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)D#A#FC#G#D#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Nutshell" in Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Nutshell” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Nutshell" by Alice in Chains in?
"Nutshell" is played in Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#): D#A#FC#G#D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Nutshell"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune up a half step (A2 → A#2). String 4: tune up 3 semitones (D3 → F3). String 3: tune up 6 semitones (G3 → C#4). String 2: tune up 9 semitones (B3 → G#4). String 1: tune up 11 semitones (E4 → D#5).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Alice in Chains
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Alice in Chains:
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardIntermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Half-Step Down / Eb StandardIntermediate
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)
Once tuned to D#A#FC#G#D#, try playing these tracks next: