Paint Pastel Princess

bySilverchair

Required String Notes:C#G#C#G#C#C#

Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)

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

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)

±0

Target: 69.3 Hz

-50WAITING+50

C#69

G#104

C#139

G#208

C#277

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)

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

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C#2	Tune down 3 semitones
String 5	A2	G#2	Tune down a half step
String 4	D3	C#3	Tune down a half step
String 3	G3	G#3	Tune up a half step
String 2	B3	C#4	Tune up a whole step
String 1	E4	C#4	Tune down 3 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

"Paint Pastel Princess" by Silverchair is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#) (C#G#C#G#C#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 up to G#, 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. Silverchair uses this same tuning on 3 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)

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

Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs

CGCGCCSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

DADADD (Tremonti)4 songs

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

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)2 songs

C#G#C#G#C#EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of C#.

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#F)1 song

C#G#C#G#C#FOnly string 1 differs: F instead of C#.

Silverchair’s Guitar Tunings

Silverchair plays 4 of 8 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)C#G#C#G#C#C#4 songs
Custom Tuning (BADGBE)BADGBE2 songs
Custom Tuning (FCGDGD)FCGDGD1 song
Custom Tuning (C#G#D#G#A#D#)C#G#D#G#A#D#1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)

Strings and tools that make playing "Paint Pastel Princess" in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#) 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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“Paint Pastel Princess” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Paint Pastel Princess" by Silverchair in?

"Paint Pastel Princess" is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#): C#G#C#G#C#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Paint Pastel Princess"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune up a half step (G3 → G#3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).