Spies

byColdplay

Required String Notes:EAC#GBC#

Tune to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EAC#GBC#).

Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#)

±0

Target: 82.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

E82

A110

C#139

G196

B247

C#277

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Spies”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	E2	Leave as is
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	C#3	Tune down a half step
String 3	G3	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	B3	Leave as is
String 1	E4	C#4	Tune down 3 semitones

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

"Spies" by Coldplay is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#) (EAC#GBC#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 4 down to C#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#).

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#)

Already tuned to EAC#GBC#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Custom Tuning (EAC#GBE)1 song

EAC#GBEOnly string 1 differs: E instead of C#.

Coldplay’s Guitar Tunings

Coldplay plays 1 of 14 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (EADGBC)EADGBC2 songs
C# Standard TuningC# - F# - B - E - G# - C#2 songs
Open E TuningE - B - E - G# - B - E1 song
Custom Tuning (EADGC#C#)EADGC#C#1 song
Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)EADF#AE1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#)

Strings and tools that make playing "Spies" in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#) 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 2 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Spies” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Spies" by Coldplay in?

"Spies" is played in Custom Tuning (EAC#GBC#): EAC#GBC#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Spies"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.