Stop Breathin'
byPavement
Required String Notes:D#A#DFA#D
Tune to Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)Tune to Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (D#A#DFA#D).
Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)
±0
D#
Target: 77.8 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D#78
A#117
D147
F175
A#233
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Stop Breathin'”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | A#2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole 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
"Stop Breathin'" by Pavement is played in Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D) (D#A#DFA#D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D#, string 5 up to A#, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Pavement 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 Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)
Already tuned to D#A#DFA#D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Pavement’s Guitar Tunings
Pavement plays 2 of 14 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADABE)DADABE3 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGDABE)CGDABE2 songs
- Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)D#A#DFA#D2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)
Strings and tools that make playing "Stop Breathin'" in Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D) 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 5 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.
“Stop Breathin'” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Stop Breathin'" by Pavement in?
"Stop Breathin'" is played in Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D): D#A#DFA#D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Stop Breathin'"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune up a half step (A2 → A#2). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Pavement songs use this tuning?
"Pueblo" — all in D#A#DFA#D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Pavement
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pavement:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)
Once tuned to D#A#DFA#D, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#C#F#A#D#)Intermediate
FA#D#G#C#F#A#D#No Capo