Sergeant Politeness
byFailure
Required String Notes:C#G#C#F#A#C#
Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#).
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
G#104
C#139
F#185
A#233
C#277
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Sergeant Politeness”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
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
"Sergeant Politeness" by Failure is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#) (C#G#C#F#A#C#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C#, string 5 down to G#, string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Failure uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)
Already tuned to C#G#C#F#A#C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 1 differs: D# instead of C#.Double Drop D Tuning14 songs
D - A - D - G - B - DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#A#C#)8 songs
C#F#C#F#A#C#Only string 5 differs: F# instead of G#.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#G#C#)6 songs
C#G#C#F#G#C#Only string 2 differs: G# instead of A#.Failure’s Guitar Tunings
Failure plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)C#G#C#F#A#C#2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Sergeant Politeness" in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#) 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 6 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.
“Sergeant Politeness” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sergeant Politeness" by Failure in?
"Sergeant Politeness" is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#): C#G#C#F#A#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sergeant Politeness"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)?
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 Failure songs use this tuning?
"Saturday Saviour" — all in C#G#C#F#A#C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Failure
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Failure:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#F#A#C#)
Once tuned to C#G#C#F#A#C#, try playing these tracks next: