Smoke on the Water (edited version)
Required String Notes:ECGA#EG
Tune to Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)Tune to Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ECGA#EG).
Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
C131
G196
A#233
E330
G392
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Smoke on the Water (edited version)”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | C3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | G3 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | A#3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | E4 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Smoke on the Water (edited version)" by Deep Purple is played in Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG) (ECGA#EG). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 5 up to C, string 4 up to G, string 3 up to A#, string 2 up to E, string 1 up to G. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG).
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Deep Purple’s Guitar Tunings
Deep Purple plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)ECGA#EG1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)
Strings and tools that make playing "Smoke on the Water (edited version)" in Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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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“Smoke on the Water (edited version)” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Smoke on the Water (edited version)" by Deep Purple in?
"Smoke on the Water (edited version)" is played in Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG): ECGA#EG, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Smoke on the Water (edited version)"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune up 3 semitones (A2 → C3). String 4: tune up 5 semitones (D3 → G3). String 3: tune up 3 semitones (G3 → A#3). String 2: tune up 5 semitones (B3 → E4). String 1: tune up 3 semitones (E4 → G4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Deep Purple
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Deep Purple:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ECGA#EG)
Once tuned to ECGA#EG, try playing these tracks next: