smoke on the water
Required String Notes:ACDEGA
Tune to Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)Tune to Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ACDEGA).
Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
C65
D73
E82
G98
A110
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “smoke on the water”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | C2 | Tune down 9 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E2 | Tune down 15 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G2 | Tune down 16 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | A2 | Tune down 19 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"smoke on the water" by Deep Purple is played in Custom Tuning (ACDEGA) (ACDEGA). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to C, string 4 down to D, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 19 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (ACDEGA).
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Deep Purple’s Guitar Tunings
Deep Purple plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ACDEGA). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)ACDEGA1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)
Strings and tools that make playing "smoke on the water" in Custom Tuning (ACDEGA) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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.
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“smoke on the water” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "smoke on the water" by Deep Purple in?
"smoke on the water" is played in Custom Tuning (ACDEGA): ACDEGA, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "smoke on the water"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 9 semitones (A2 → C2). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 15 semitones (G3 → E2). String 2: tune down 16 semitones (B3 → G2). String 1: tune down 19 semitones (E4 → A2).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
More Songs by Deep Purple
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Deep Purple:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ACDEGA)
Once tuned to ACDEGA, try playing these tracks next: