On The Wire
Required String Notes:EBF#AC#E
Tune to Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)Tune to Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EBF#AC#E).
Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
B123
F#185
A220
C#277
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “On The Wire”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | B2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | F#3 | Tune up 4 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C#4 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"On The Wire" by Murtaugh's Law is played in Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E) (EBF#AC#E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 5 up to B, string 4 up to F#, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to C#. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. Murtaugh's Law uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)
Already tuned to EBF#AC#E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Murtaugh's Law’s Guitar Tunings
Murtaugh's Law plays 3 of 8 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)EBF#AC#E3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)
Strings and tools that make playing "On The Wire" in Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“On The Wire” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "On The Wire" by Murtaugh's Law in?
"On The Wire" is played in Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E): EBF#AC#E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "On The Wire"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune up a whole step (A2 → B2). String 4: tune up 4 semitones (D3 → F#3). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other Murtaugh's Law songs use this tuning?
"Morning Erection", "Unreal" — all in EBF#AC#E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Murtaugh's Law
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Murtaugh's Law:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EBF#AC#E)
Once tuned to EBF#AC#E, try playing these tracks next: