The Ostrich
byLou Reed
Required String Notes:D - D - D - D - D - D
Tune to Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)How to Tune from Standard to Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “The Ostrich”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | D3 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | D4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
The 1964 novelty single that gave ostrich tuning its name. Lou Reed tuned every string to one note, so the whole guitar sounds a relentless single-pitch drone — a technique he later carried into The Velvet Underground.
Key Chord Voicings:
All strings one note (drone)Rhythmic strumming on the drone
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Lou Reed’s Guitar Tunings
Lou Reed plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD). Most-used tunings:
- Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)D - D - D - D - D - D1 song
Gear for Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Ostrich" in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“The Ostrich” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Ostrich" by Lou Reed in?
"The Ostrich" is played in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD): D - D - D - D - D - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Ostrich"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune up 5 semitones (A2 → D3). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune up 3 semitones (B3 → D4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Lou Reed
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Lou Reed:
Other Songs in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)
Once tuned to D - D - D - D - D - D, try playing these tracks next:
Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)Intermediate
D - D - D - D - D - DNo Capo