Raw Dog
Required String Notes:ADGCFAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ADGCFAD).
Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
D73
G98
C131
F175
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)
Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Raw Dog”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 7 | B1 | A1 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Raw Dog" by Dream Theater is played in Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD) (ADGCFAD). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 down to A, string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Dream Theater uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)
Already tuned to ADGCFAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Dream Theater’s Guitar Tunings
Dream Theater plays 2 of 34 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)ADGCEA2 songs
- Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)ADGCFAD2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Raw Dog" in Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD) 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.
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 7 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Raw Dog” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Raw Dog" by Dream Theater in?
"Raw Dog" is played in Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD): ADGCFAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Raw Dog"?
Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune down a whole step (B1 → A1). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). 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 a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)?
Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
Which other Dream Theater songs use this tuning?
"Illumination Theory" — all in ADGCFAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Dream Theater
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Dream Theater:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ADGCFAD)
Once tuned to ADGCFAD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (EADGCF)Intermediate
EADGCFNo Capo