Stairway to Heaven
Required String Notes:E - A - D - G - C - F
Tune to All Fourths (EADGCF)How to Tune from Standard to All Fourths (EADGCF)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Stairway to Heaven”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| 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 | 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
Stanley Jordan's two-hand tapping cover (from Flying Home, 1988) is performed in his signature all-fourths EADGCF tuning, which he uses for essentially all of his tapping work. The consistent fourths make scale and chord shapes symmetrical across every string.
Key Chord Voicings:
Symmetrical fourths across all stringsTwo-hand tapping voicingsPiano-style independent lines
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to All Fourths (EADGCF)
Already tuned to E - A - D - G - C - F? These tunings are just one small change away.
Stanley Jordan’s Guitar Tunings
Stanley Jordan plays 3 of 3 songs in our catalog in All Fourths (EADGCF). Most-used tunings:
- All Fourths (EADGCF)E - A - D - G - C - F3 songs
Gear for All Fourths (EADGCF)
Strings and tools that make playing "Stairway to Heaven" in All Fourths (EADGCF) 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.
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“Stairway to Heaven” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Stairway to Heaven" by Stanley Jordan in?
"Stairway to Heaven" is played in All Fourths (EADGCF): E - A - D - G - C - F, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Stairway to Heaven"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune up a half step (E4 → F4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for All Fourths (EADGCF)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Stanley Jordan
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Stanley Jordan:
Custom Tuning (EADGCF)Intermediate
EADGCFNo Capo