Simple Boy
Required String Notes:BF#BGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BF#BGBE).
Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
F#92
B123
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Simple Boy”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Simple Boy" by Karnivool is played in Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE) (BF#BGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Karnivool uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)
Already tuned to BF#BGBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Karnivool’s Guitar Tunings
Karnivool plays 3 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)BF#BGBE3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Simple Boy" in Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Simple Boy” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Simple Boy" by Karnivool in?
"Simple Boy" is played in Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE): BF#BGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Simple Boy"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Karnivool songs use this tuning?
"New Day", "Shutterspeed" — all in BF#BGBE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Karnivool
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Karnivool:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BF#BGBE)
Once tuned to BF#BGBE, try playing these tracks next: