Skinny Love
byBon Iver
Required String Notes:CGEGCC
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGEGCC).
Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
E165
G196
C262
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Skinny Love”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
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
"Skinny Love" by Bon Iver is played in Custom Tuning (CGEGCC) (CGEGCC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 up to E, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGEGCC).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)
Already tuned to CGEGCC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Bon Iver’s Guitar Tunings
Bon Iver plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGEGCC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)CGEGCC1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Skinny Love" in Custom Tuning (CGEGCC) 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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“Skinny Love” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver in?
"Skinny Love" is played in Custom Tuning (CGEGCC): CGEGCC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Skinny Love"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Bon Iver
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Bon Iver:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGEGCC)
Once tuned to CGEGCC, try playing these tracks next: