Spit Fountain
Required String Notes:D - A - E - A - C# - E
Tune to Name Alt-TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Name Alt-Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Spit Fountain”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C#4 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Spit Fountain" by Algernon Cadwallader is played in Name Alt-Tuning (D - A - E - A - C# - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 up to E, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to C#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Algernon Cadwallader uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Name Alt-Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - E - A - C# - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open A Tuning20 songs
E - A - E - A - C# - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.DADAC#E Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - A - C# - EOnly string 4 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (C#G#D#G#CD#)12 songs
C#G#D#G#CD#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (DAEABE)4 songs
DAEABEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C#.Algernon Cadwallader’s Guitar Tunings
Algernon Cadwallader plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Name Alt-Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Name Alt-TuningD - A - E - A - C# - E2 songs
Gear for Name Alt-Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Spit Fountain" in Name Alt-Tuning 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Spit Fountain” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Spit Fountain" by Algernon Cadwallader in?
"Spit Fountain" is played in Name Alt-Tuning: D - A - E - A - C# - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Spit Fountain"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Name Alt-Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Algernon Cadwallader songs use this tuning?
"Horror" — all in D - A - E - A - C# - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Algernon Cadwallader
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Algernon Cadwallader:
Other Songs in Name Alt-Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - E - A - C# - E, try playing these tracks next: