Requiem for John Hurt
Required String Notes:CGCGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCGBE).
Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
C131
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Requiem for John Hurt”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Requiem for John Hurt" by John Fahey is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGBE) (CGCGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGCGBE).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)
Already tuned to CGCGBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 2 differs: C instead of B.CGDGBE Tuning19 songs
C - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 4 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)4 songs
CGCGGEOnly string 2 differs: G instead of B.Custom Tuning (CGCGBD)3 songs
CGCGBDOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.John Fahey’s Guitar Tunings
John Fahey plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCGBE). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Requiem for John Hurt" in Custom Tuning (CGCGBE) 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 3 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.
“Requiem for John Hurt” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Requiem for John Hurt" by John Fahey in?
"Requiem for John Hurt" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGBE): CGCGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Requiem for John Hurt"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGCGBE)?
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 (CGCGBE)
Once tuned to CGCGBE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (AECEFA)Intermediate
AECEFANo Capo