Pretty Woman
Required String Notes:D#A#F#C#G#D#
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#).
Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
A#117
F#185
C#277
G#415
D#622
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Pretty Woman”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A#2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | F#3 | Tune up 4 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C#4 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#4 | Tune up 9 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D#5 | Tune up 11 semitones |
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
"Pretty Woman" by Van Halen is played in Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#) (D#A#F#C#G#D#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D#, string 5 up to A#, string 4 up to F#, string 3 up to C#, string 2 up to G#, string 1 up to D#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)
Already tuned to D#A#F#C#G#D#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)11 songs
DAFCGDSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)6 songs
EBGDAESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#C#)2 songs
D#A#F#C#G#C#Only string 1 differs: C# instead of D#.Custom Tuning (D#A#FC#G#D#)1 song
D#A#FC#G#D#Only string 4 differs: F instead of F#.Van Halen’s Guitar Tunings
Van Halen plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)D#A#F#C#G#D#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Pretty Woman" in Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Pretty Woman” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Pretty Woman" by Van Halen in?
"Pretty Woman" is played in Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#): D#A#F#C#G#D#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Pretty Woman"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune up a half step (A2 → A#2). String 4: tune up 4 semitones (D3 → F#3). String 3: tune up 6 semitones (G3 → C#4). String 2: tune up 9 semitones (B3 → G#4). String 1: tune up 11 semitones (E4 → D#5).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Van Halen
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Van Halen:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#A#F#C#G#D#)
Once tuned to D#A#F#C#G#D#, try playing these tracks next: