Roots Remain
byMastodon
Required String Notes:DAFCGD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DAFCGD).
Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
F175
C262
G392
D587
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Roots Remain”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | F3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C4 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G4 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D5 | Tune up 10 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
"Roots Remain" by Mastodon is played in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD) (DAFCGD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, 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 (DAFCGD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)
Already tuned to DAFCGD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Mastodon’s Guitar Tunings
Mastodon plays 1 of 15 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)DAFCGD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Roots Remain" in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Roots Remain” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Roots Remain" by Mastodon in?
"Roots Remain" is played in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD): DAFCGD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Roots Remain"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune up 3 semitones (D3 → F3). String 3: tune up 5 semitones (G3 → C4). String 2: tune up 8 semitones (B3 → G4). String 1: tune up 10 semitones (E4 → D5). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)?
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 Mastodon
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Mastodon:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DAFCGD)
Once tuned to DAFCGD, try playing these tracks next: