Ohio

byNeil Young

Required String Notes:CGCFAC

Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCFAC).

Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)

±0

Target: 65.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

C65

G98

C131

F175

A220

C262

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Ohio”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C2	Tune down 4 semitones
String 5	A2	G2	Tune down a whole step
String 4	D3	C3	Tune down a whole step
String 3	G3	F3	Tune down a whole step
String 2	B3	A3	Tune down a whole step
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Ohio" by Neil Young is played in Custom Tuning (CGCFAC) (CGCFAC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Neil Young uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)

Already tuned to CGCFAC? These tunings are just one small change away.

Drop C Tuning130 songs

C - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of C.

Double Drop D Tuning14 songs

D - A - D - G - B - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

CGCFGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 2 differs: G instead of A.

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)11 songs

C#G#C#F#A#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Neil Young’s Guitar Tunings

Neil Young plays 2 of 11 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCFAC). Most-used tunings:

Double Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - D2 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)CGCFAC2 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E1 song
Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)

Strings and tools that make playing "Ohio" in Custom Tuning (CGCFAC) easier.

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)

Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Ohio” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Ohio" by Neil Young in?

"Ohio" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCFAC): CGCFAC, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Ohio"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).