The Big Parade
Required String Notes:EAEACE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EAEACE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EAEACE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EAEACE).
Custom Tuning (EAEACE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
E165
A220
C262
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EAEACE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “The Big Parade”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"The Big Parade" by 10,000 Maniacs is played in Custom Tuning (EAEACE) (EAEACE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 4 up to E, string 3 up to A, string 2 up to C. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EAEACE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EAEACE)
Already tuned to EAEACE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open A Tuning20 songs
E - A - E - A - C# - EOnly string 2 differs: C# instead of C.Open G Minor11 songs
D - G - D - G - Bb - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Custom Tuning (EAEABE)1 song
EAEABEOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C.Custom Tuning (DAEACE)1 song
DAEACEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.10,000 Maniacs’s Guitar Tunings
10,000 Maniacs plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EAEACE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EADABE)EADABE3 songs
- Custom Tuning (EAEACE)EAEACE1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (EAEACE)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Big Parade" in Custom Tuning (EAEACE) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“The Big Parade” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Big Parade" by 10,000 Maniacs in?
"The Big Parade" is played in Custom Tuning (EAEACE): EAEACE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Big Parade"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EAEACE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by 10,000 Maniacs
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by 10,000 Maniacs:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EAEACE)
Once tuned to EAEACE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (F#A#C#F#A#C#)Intermediate
F#A#C#F#A#C#No Capo