Old Pine
Required String Notes:CGCGCC
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCGCC).
Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
G196
C262
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Old Pine”:
| 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 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half 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
"Old Pine" by Ben Howard is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC) (CGCGCC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGCGCC).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)
Already tuned to CGCGCC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of C.CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 2 differs: G instead of C.CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)12 songs
C - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)6 songs
C#G#C#G#C#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Ben Howard’s Guitar Tunings
Ben Howard plays 1 of 23 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC). Most-used tunings:
- DADAADD - A - D - A - A - D2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Old Pine" in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC) 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.
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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Old Pine” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Old Pine" by Ben Howard in?
"Old Pine" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC): CGCGCC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Old Pine"?
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 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Ben Howard
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Ben Howard:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)
Once tuned to CGCGCC, try playing these tracks next: