The Conversation Is
Required String Notes:CFDGCF
Tune to Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)Tune to Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CFDGCF).
Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
F87
D147
G196
C262
F349
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “The Conversation Is”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | F4 | Tune up a half step |
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 Conversation Is" by Biffy Clyro is played in Custom Tuning (CFDGCF) (CFDGCF). 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 F, string 2 up to C, string 1 up to F. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Biffy Clyro uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Biffy Clyro’s Guitar Tunings
Biffy Clyro plays 2 of 15 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CFDGCF). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)CFDGCF2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Conversation Is" in Custom Tuning (CFDGCF) 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 Conversation Is” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Conversation Is" by Biffy Clyro in?
"The Conversation Is" is played in Custom Tuning (CFDGCF): CFDGCF, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Conversation Is"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune up a half step (E4 → F4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Biffy Clyro songs use this tuning?
"Im Behind You" — all in CFDGCF, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Biffy Clyro
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Biffy Clyro:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CFDGCF)
Once tuned to CFDGCF, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (F#A#C#F#A#C#)Intermediate
F#A#C#F#A#C#No Capo