Solid Air
Required String Notes:CGD#FA#D
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGD#FA#D).
Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D#156
F175
A#233
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Solid Air”:
| 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 | D#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Solid Air" by John Martyn is played in Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D) (CGD#FA#D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 up to D#, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)
Already tuned to CGD#FA#D? These tunings are just one small change away.
John Martyn’s Guitar Tunings
John Martyn plays 1 of 7 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)CGD#FA#D1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)
Strings and tools that make playing "Solid Air" in Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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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“Solid Air” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Solid Air" by John Martyn in?
"Solid Air" is played in Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D): CGD#FA#D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Solid Air"?
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 half step (D3 → D#3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by John Martyn
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Martyn:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGD#FA#D)
Once tuned to CGD#FA#D, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (DAGDGD)Intermediate
DAGDGDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (F#C#F#BD#G#C#)Intermediate
F#C#F#BD#G#C#No Capo