Tune to Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE)

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

Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
C131
G196
C262
G392
C523
E659

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE)

Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Possessions”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 7B1E2Tune up 5 semitones
String 6E2C3Tune up 8 semitones
String 5A2G3Tune up 10 semitones
String 4D3C4Tune up 10 semitones
String 3G3G4Tune up 12 semitones
String 2B3C5Tune up 13 semitones
String 1E4E5Tune up 12 semitones
Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Possessions" by Strapping Young Lad is played in Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE) (ECGCGCE). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 up to E, string 6 up to C, string 5 up to G, string 4 up to C, string 3 up to G, string 2 up to C, string 1 up to E. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE).

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Strapping Young Lad’s Guitar Tunings

Strapping Young Lad plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE). Most-used tunings:

Gear for Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Possessions" in Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE) easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)

Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.

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

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Possessions” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Possessions" by Strapping Young Lad in?

"Possessions" is played in Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE): ECGCGCE, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Possessions"?

Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune up 5 semitones (B1 → E2). String 6: tune up 8 semitones (E2 → C3). String 5: tune up 10 semitones (A2 → G3). String 4: tune up 10 semitones (D3 → C4). String 3: tune up 12 semitones (G3 → G4). String 2: tune up 13 semitones (B3 → C5). String 1: tune up 12 semitones (E4 → E5).

What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE)?

Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.

More Songs by Strapping Young Lad

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Strapping Young Lad:

View all 18 songs
Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)Intermediate
AAAEAENo Capo
Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)Intermediate
AAAEAENo Capo
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Custom Tuning (DADADF#)Intermediate
DADADF#No Capo

Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ECGCGCE)

Once tuned to ECGCGCE, try playing these tracks next:

Custom Tuning (EBEADF#B)Intermediate
EBEADF#BNo Capo
Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)Intermediate
CGCGGENo Capo
Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)Intermediate
D#A#F#C#G#D#No Capo
Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#D#)Intermediate
G#D#G#C#FA#D#No Capo
Custom Tuning (BADGBE)Intermediate
BADGBENo Capo
Custom Tuning (CFCGFC)Intermediate
CFCGFCNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EGDGCFAD)Intermediate
EGDGCFADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (D#ADGBD#)Intermediate
D#ADGBD#No Capo