The Big Lad In The Windmill
byIt Bites
Required String Notes:C - G - C - E - G - C
Tune to Open C Major (CGCEGC)How to Tune from Standard to Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “The Big Lad In The Windmill”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
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
"The Big Lad In The Windmill" by It Bites is played in Open C Major (CGCEGC) (C - G - C - E - G - C). 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 E, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 18 other songs in our catalog use Open C Major (CGCEGC).
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Tunings Close to Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Already tuned to C - G - C - E - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)20 songs
C#G#C#FG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.CGCFGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 3 differs: F instead of E.CGCGGC Tuning14 songs
C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 3 differs: G instead of E.Gear for Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Big Lad In The Windmill" in Open C Major (CGCEGC) 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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“The Big Lad In The Windmill” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Big Lad In The Windmill" by It Bites in?
"The Big Lad In The Windmill" is played in Open C Major (CGCEGC): C - G - C - E - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Big Lad In The Windmill"?
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 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4).
What string gauge should I use for Open C Major (CGCEGC)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Other Songs in Open C Major (CGCEGC)
Once tuned to C - G - C - E - G - C, try playing these tracks next: