Ten Ton Hammer
Required String Notes:BF#BFG#C#
Tune to Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)Tune to Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BF#BFG#C#).
Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
F#92
B123
F175
G#208
C#277
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Ten Ton Hammer”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Ten Ton Hammer" by Machine head is played in Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#) (BF#BFG#C#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to F#, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to G#, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Machine head uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)
Already tuned to BF#BFG#C#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Machine head’s Guitar Tunings
Machine head plays 3 of 5 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)BF#BFG#C#3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Ten Ton Hammer" in Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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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“Ten Ton Hammer” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Ten Ton Hammer" by Machine head in?
"Ten Ton Hammer" is played in Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#): BF#BFG#C#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Ten Ton Hammer"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 3 semitones (A2 → F#2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Machine head songs use this tuning?
"Blank Generation", "Left Unfinished" — all in BF#BFG#C#, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Machine head
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Machine head:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BF#BFG#C#)
Once tuned to BF#BFG#C#, try playing these tracks next: