Sunburn
byOwl City
Required String Notes:DAEAAE
Tune to Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)Tune to Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DAEAAE).
Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
E165
A220
A220
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Sunburn”:
| 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 | A3 | Tune down 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
"Sunburn" by Owl City is played in Custom Tuning (DAEAAE) (DAEAAE). 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 down to A. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Owl City 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 (DAEAAE)
Already tuned to DAEAAE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Name Alt-Tuning28 songs
D - A - E - A - C# - EOnly string 2 differs: C# instead of A.Custom Tuning (DAEF#AE)6 songs
DAEF#AEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of A.Custom Tuning (DAEABE)4 songs
DAEABEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A.Custom Tuning (CGDGGD)3 songs
CGDGGDSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Owl City’s Guitar Tunings
Owl City plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DAEAAE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)DAEAAE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Sunburn" in Custom Tuning (DAEAAE) 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.
“Sunburn” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sunburn" by Owl City in?
"Sunburn" is played in Custom Tuning (DAEAAE): DAEAAE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sunburn"?
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 down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Owl City songs use this tuning?
"Good Time Acoustic" — all in DAEAAE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Owl City
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Owl City:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DAEAAE)
Once tuned to DAEAAE, try playing these tracks next: