Red Pony
Required String Notes:C#G#C#EG#C#
Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#).
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
G#104
C#139
E165
G#208
C#277
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Red Pony”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| 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
"Red Pony" by John Fahey is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#) (C#G#C#EG#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 down to E, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)
Already tuned to C#G#C#EG#C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)20 songs
C#G#C#FG#C#Only string 3 differs: F instead of E.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#G#C#)6 songs
C#G#C#F#G#C#Only string 3 differs: F# instead of E.Custom Tuning (CGCD#GC)5 songs
CGCD#GCSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.John Fahey’s Guitar Tunings
John Fahey plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Red Pony" in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#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.
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.
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“Red Pony” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Red Pony" by John Fahey in?
"Red Pony" is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#): C#G#C#EG#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Red Pony"?
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 down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by John Fahey
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Fahey:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#C#)
Once tuned to C#G#C#EG#C#, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (EADGCF)Intermediate
EADGCFNo Capo