Special K
byPlacebo
Required String Notes:FA#D#G#CF
Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (FA#D#G#CF).
Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)
±0
F
Target: 87.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F87
A#117
D#156
G#208
C262
F349
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Special K”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A#2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | D#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | G#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | F4 | Tune up a half 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
"Special K" by Placebo is played in Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF) (FA#D#G#CF). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F, string 5 up to A#, string 4 up to D#, string 3 up to G#, string 2 up to C, string 1 up to F. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)
Already tuned to FA#D#G#CF? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Custom Tuning (GCFA#DG)4 songs
GCFA#DGSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Custom Tuning (F#BEAC#F#)2 songs
F#BEAC#F#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Placebo’s Guitar Tunings
Placebo plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)FA#D#G#CF1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)
Strings and tools that make playing "Special K" in Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Special K” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Special K" by Placebo in?
"Special K" is played in Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF): FA#D#G#CF, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Special K"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). String 5: tune up a half step (A2 → A#2). String 4: tune up a half step (D3 → D#3). String 3: tune up a half step (G3 → G#3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune up a half step (E4 → F4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Placebo
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Placebo:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)
Once tuned to FA#D#G#CF, try playing these tracks next: