Teenage Riot
Required String Notes:G - A - B - D - E - G
Tune to Teen Age Riot NoiseHow to Tune from Standard to Teen Age Riot Noise
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Teenage Riot”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G2 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | E3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G3 | Tune down 9 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Teenage Riot" by Sonic Youth is played in Teen Age Riot Noise (G - A - B - D - E - G). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to E, string 1 down to G. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Sonic Youth uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Teen Age Riot Noise. Most-used tunings:
- Teen Age Riot NoiseG - A - B - D - E - G2 songs
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Teen Age Riot Noise
Strings and tools that make playing "Teenage Riot" in Teen Age Riot Noise easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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.
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“Teenage Riot” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Teenage Riot" by Sonic Youth in?
"Teenage Riot" is played in Teen Age Riot Noise: G - A - B - D - E - G, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Teenage Riot"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune down 7 semitones (B3 → E3). String 1: tune down 9 semitones (E4 → G3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Teen Age Riot Noise?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?
"Teen Age Riot" — all in G - A - B - D - E - G, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Teen Age Riot Noise
Once tuned to G - A - B - D - E - G, try playing these tracks next: