The Bug Collector
Required String Notes:A - A - C# - E - G# - E
Tune to AAC#EG#E (Bug Collector)How to Tune from Standard to AAC#EG#E (Bug Collector)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “The Bug Collector”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G#3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
Haley Heynderickx's fingerpicked indie-folk standout uses her unusual AAC#EG#E tuning, whose paired A strings and stacked A-major intervals let the open strings shimmer under the vocal melody with a bright, harp-like ring.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open A-major shimmer (0-0-0-0-0-0)Fingerpicked patterns over open dronesMovable single-finger shapes
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Gear for AAC#EG#E (Bug Collector)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Bug Collector" in AAC#EG#E (Bug Collector) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“The Bug Collector” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Bug Collector" by Haley Heynderickx in?
"The Bug Collector" is played in AAC#EG#E (Bug Collector): A - A - C# - E - G# - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Bug Collector"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down 3 semitones (B3 → G#3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for AAC#EG#E (Bug Collector)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.