Polar Vortex
Required String Notes:EAC#G#AE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EAC#G#AE).
Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
C#139
G#208
A220
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Polar Vortex”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | G#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Polar Vortex" by Owen Pallett is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE) (EAC#G#AE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 4 down to C#, string 3 up to G#, string 2 down to A. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)
Already tuned to EAC#G#AE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Gear for Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Polar Vortex" in Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Polar Vortex” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Polar Vortex" by Owen Pallett in?
"Polar Vortex" is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE): EAC#G#AE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Polar Vortex"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune up a half step (G3 → G#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EAC#G#AE)
Once tuned to EAC#G#AE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (EAC#G#BD#)Intermediate
EAC#G#BD#No Capo