Sparrow and Medicine
Required String Notes:CGDGCE
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGDGCE).
Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D147
G196
C262
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Sparrow and Medicine”:
| 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 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Sparrow and Medicine" by The Tallest Man on Earth is played in Custom Tuning (CGDGCE) (CGDGCE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 2 up 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 (CGDGCE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)
Already tuned to CGDGCE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open C Tuning34 songs
C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 4 differs: C instead of D.CGDGBE Tuning19 songs
C - G - D - G - B - EOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C.Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)5 songs
CGDFCEOnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.Orkney (CGDGCD)3 songs
C - G - D - G - C - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.The Tallest Man on Earth’s Guitar Tunings
The Tallest Man on Earth plays 1 of 31 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGDGCE). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Sparrow and Medicine" in Custom Tuning (CGDGCE) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Sparrow and Medicine” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sparrow and Medicine" by The Tallest Man on Earth in?
"Sparrow and Medicine" is played in Custom Tuning (CGDGCE): CGDGCE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sparrow and Medicine"?
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 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)?
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 The Tallest Man on Earth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by The Tallest Man on Earth:
Pink Moon ModalIntermediate
C - G - C - F - C - ENo Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGDGCE)
Once tuned to CGDGCE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (F#A#C#F#A#F#)Intermediate
F#A#C#F#A#F#No Capo