Tears Don't Fall
Required String Notes:C - G - C - F - A - D
Tune to Drop CHow to Tune from Standard to Drop C
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Tears Don't Fall”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Tears Don't Fall" by Bullet For My Valentine is played in Drop C (C - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Bullet For My Valentine uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Drop C
Already tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs
D - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Drop B Tuning39 songs
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Gear for Drop C
Strings and tools that make playing "Tears Don't Fall" in Drop C easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Tears Don't Fall” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Tears Don't Fall" by Bullet For My Valentine in?
"Tears Don't Fall" is played in Drop C: C - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Tears Don't Fall"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Drop C?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Bullet For My Valentine songs use this tuning?
"Tears Dont Fall", "Waking The Demon" — all in C - G - C - F - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Bullet For My Valentine
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Bullet For My Valentine:
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Other Songs in Drop C
Once tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next: