Sometimes
Required String Notes:DADAAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADAAD).
Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
A220
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Sometimes”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Sometimes" by My Bloody Valentine is played in Custom Tuning (DADAAD) (DADAAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 up to A, 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 (DADAAD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Already tuned to DADAAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of A.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of A.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of A.DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs
D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 3 differs: D instead of A.My Bloody Valentine’s Guitar Tunings
My Bloody Valentine plays 1 of 8 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADAAD). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Sometimes" in Custom Tuning (DADAAD) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Sometimes” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sometimes" by My Bloody Valentine in?
"Sometimes" is played in Custom Tuning (DADAAD): DADAAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sometimes"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADAAD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by My Bloody Valentine
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by My Bloody Valentine:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Once tuned to DADAAD, try playing these tracks next: