Rusty Cage
Required String Notes:BADGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (BADGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (BADGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BADGBE).
Custom Tuning (BADGBE)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
A110
D147
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BADGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Rusty Cage”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Rusty Cage" by Soundgarden is played in Custom Tuning (BADGBE) (BADGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Soundgarden 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 (BADGBE)
Already tuned to BADGBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of B.Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of B.Drop C + Low A25 songs
A - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.AADGBE Tuning19 songs
A - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: A instead of B.Soundgarden’s Guitar Tunings
Soundgarden plays 2 of 25 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BADGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EEBBBB)EEBBBB5 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGCGGE)CGCGGE3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BADGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Rusty Cage" in Custom Tuning (BADGBE) 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 1 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Rusty Cage” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Rusty Cage" by Soundgarden in?
"Rusty Cage" is played in Custom Tuning (BADGBE): BADGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Rusty Cage"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BADGBE)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Soundgarden songs use this tuning?
"Searching with My Good Eye Closed" — all in BADGBE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Soundgarden
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Soundgarden:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BADGBE)
Once tuned to BADGBE, try playing these tracks next: