Outside In

Required String Notes:C - G - C - F - G - C

How to Tune from Standard to CGCFGC Tuning

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

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	G3	Tune down 4 semitones
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

"Outside In" by John Martyn is played in CGCFGC Tuning (C - G - C - F - G - C). 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 G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 13 other songs in our catalog use CGCFGC Tuning.

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Tunings Close to CGCFGC Tuning

Already tuned to C - G - C - F - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.

DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs

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

Open C Major (CGCEGC)19 songs

C - G - C - E - G - COnly string 3 differs: E instead of F.

CGCGGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 3 differs: G instead of F.

Custom Tuning (CGCFG#C)9 songs

CGCFG#COnly string 2 differs: G# instead of G.

John Martyn’s Guitar Tunings

John Martyn plays 1 of 7 songs in our catalog in CGCFGC Tuning. Most-used tunings:

DADGAD Celtic TuningD - A - D - G - A - D2 songs
Open D TuningD - A - D - F# - A - D2 songs
Open C TuningC - G - C - G - C - E1 song
CGCFGC TuningC - G - C - F - G - C1 song
Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)CGD#FA#D1 song

Gear for CGCFGC Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Outside In" in CGCFGC Tuning 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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

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

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“Outside In” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Outside In" by John Martyn in?

"Outside In" is played in CGCFGC Tuning: C - G - C - F - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Outside In"?

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 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).