Sidi Brahim
Required String Notes:FA#CGCF
Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (FA#CGCF).
Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)
±0
F
Target: 87.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F87
A#117
C131
G196
C262
F349
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Sidi Brahim”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A#2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | F4 | Tune up a half step |
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
"Sidi Brahim" by John Renbourn is played in Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF) (FA#CGCF). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F, string 5 up to A#, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 up to F. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF).
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John Renbourn’s Guitar Tunings
John Renbourn plays 1 of 13 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)
Strings and tools that make playing "Sidi Brahim" in Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF) 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.
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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“Sidi Brahim” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sidi Brahim" by John Renbourn in?
"Sidi Brahim" is played in Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF): FA#CGCF, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sidi Brahim"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). String 5: tune up a half step (A2 → A#2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune up a half step (E4 → F4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by John Renbourn
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Renbourn:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (FA#CGCF)
Once tuned to FA#CGCF, try playing these tracks next: