Talking Heads

byNorthlane

Required String Notes:FA#FA#D#GC

Tune to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)

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

Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)

±0

Target: 87.3 Hz

-50WAITING+50

F87

A#117

F175

A#233

D#311

G392

C523

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)

Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Talking Heads”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 7	B1	F2	Tune up 6 semitones
String 6	E2	A#2	Tune up 6 semitones
String 5	A2	F3	Tune up 8 semitones
String 4	D3	A#3	Tune up 8 semitones
String 3	G3	D#4	Tune up 8 semitones
String 2	B3	G4	Tune up 8 semitones
String 1	E4	C5	Tune up 8 semitones

Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Talking Heads" by Northlane is played in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC) (FA#FA#D#GC). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 up to F, string 6 up to A#, string 5 up to F, string 4 up to A#, string 3 up to D#, string 2 up to G, string 1 up to C. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. Northlane uses this same tuning on 7 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)

Already tuned to FA#FA#D#GC? These tunings are just one small change away.

Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)7 songs

D#G#D#G#C#FA#Same chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

Custom Tuning (FCFA#D#GC)3 songs

FCFA#D#GCOnly string 6 differs: C instead of A#.

Custom Tuning (EAEADF#B)2 songs

EAEADF#BSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Custom Tuning (F#BF#BEG#C#)1 song

F#BF#BEG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Northlane’s Guitar Tunings

Northlane plays 8 of 19 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC). Most-used tunings:

Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)FA#FA#D#GC8 songs
Custom Tuning (D#G#D#G#C#FA#)D#G#D#G#C#FA#6 songs
Custom Tuning (DADGCEA)DADGCEA2 songs
Custom Tuning (EAEADF#B)EAEADF#B2 songs
Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#)G#D#G#C#FA#1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC)

Strings and tools that make playing "Talking Heads" in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC) easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)

Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.

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 7 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.

“Talking Heads” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Talking Heads" by Northlane in?

"Talking Heads" is played in Custom Tuning (FA#FA#D#GC): FA#FA#D#GC, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Talking Heads"?

Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune up 6 semitones (B1 → F2). String 6: tune up 6 semitones (E2 → A#2). String 5: tune up 8 semitones (A2 → F3). String 4: tune up 8 semitones (D3 → A#3). String 3: tune up 8 semitones (G3 → D#4). String 2: tune up 8 semitones (B3 → G4). String 1: tune up 8 semitones (E4 → C5).