The Contours

byOwen

Required String Notes:DAC#EAC#

Tune to Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DAC#EAC#).

Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#)

±0

Target: 73.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

D73

A110

C#139

E165

A220

C#277

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “The Contours”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
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	A3	Tune down a whole step
String 1	E4	C#4	Tune down 3 semitones

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 Contours" by Owen is played in Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#) (DAC#EAC#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#)

Already tuned to DAC#EAC#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Custom Tuning (EBD#F#BD#)4 songs

EBD#F#BD#Same chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Custom Tuning (DADEAC#)2 songs

DADEAC#Only string 4 differs: D instead of C#.

Custom Tuning (D#A#DFA#D)2 songs

D#A#DFA#DSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Custom Tuning (EAC#EAC#)1 song

EAC#EAC#Only string 6 differs: E instead of D.

Owen’s Guitar Tunings

Owen plays 1 of 12 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#). Most-used tunings:

Open G TuningD - G - D - G - B - D3 songs
DADGAD Celtic TuningD - A - D - G - A - D2 songs
DADEAD TuningD - A - D - E - A - D1 song
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)C - G - C - G - C - D1 song
Open C TuningC - G - C - G - C - E1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#)

Strings and tools that make playing "The Contours" in Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#) 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“The Contours” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Contours" by Owen in?

"The Contours" is played in Custom Tuning (DAC#EAC#): DAC#EAC#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "The Contours"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.