Secret Base
byZone
Required String Notes:D - G - D - G - B - E
Tune to DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)How to Tune from Standard to DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Secret Base”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Secret Base" by Zone is played in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6) (D - G - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 16 other songs in our catalog use DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6).
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Tunings Close to DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Already tuned to D - G - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.CGDGBE Tuning19 songs
C - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: C instead of D.Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)6 songs
EGDGBEOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Gear for DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Strings and tools that make playing "Secret Base" in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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.
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“Secret Base” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Secret Base" by Zone in?
"Secret Base" is played in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6): D - G - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Secret Base"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)
Once tuned to D - G - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
DGDGBE Tuning (Open G6)Intermediate
D - G - D - G - B - ENo Capo