That Old Familiar Pain
Required String Notes:CGEGBD
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGEGBD).
Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
E165
G196
B247
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “That Old Familiar Pain”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"That Old Familiar Pain" by Trevor Gordon Hall is played in Custom Tuning (CGEGBD) (CGEGBD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 up to E, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGEGBD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)
Already tuned to CGEGBD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)
Strings and tools that make playing "That Old Familiar Pain" in Custom Tuning (CGEGBD) 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.
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“That Old Familiar Pain” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "That Old Familiar Pain" by Trevor Gordon Hall in?
"That Old Familiar Pain" is played in Custom Tuning (CGEGBD): CGEGBD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "That Old Familiar Pain"?
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 up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)
Once tuned to CGEGBD, try playing these tracks next: