Safe and sound
Required String Notes:EBGDAE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EBGDAE).
Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
B123
G196
D294
A440
E659
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Safe and sound”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | B2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | G3 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D4 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A4 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E5 | Tune up 12 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
"Safe and sound" by Taylor Swift is played in Custom Tuning (EBGDAE) (EBGDAE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 5 up to B, string 4 up to G, string 3 up to D, string 2 up to A, string 1 up to E. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EBGDAE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)
Already tuned to EBGDAE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Taylor Swift’s Guitar Tunings
Taylor Swift plays 1 of 3 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EBGDAE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)EBGDAE1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Safe and sound" in Custom Tuning (EBGDAE) 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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“Safe and sound” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Safe and sound" by Taylor Swift in?
"Safe and sound" is played in Custom Tuning (EBGDAE): EBGDAE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Safe and sound"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune up a whole step (A2 → B2). String 4: tune up 5 semitones (D3 → G3). String 3: tune up 7 semitones (G3 → D4). String 2: tune up 10 semitones (B3 → A4). String 1: tune up 12 semitones (E4 → E5). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)?
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 Taylor Swift
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Taylor Swift:
Custom Tuning (F#A#C#F#A#F#)Intermediate
F#A#C#F#A#F#No Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EBGDAE)
Once tuned to EBGDAE, try playing these tracks next: