The Refusal
Required String Notes:BGCGCD
Tune to Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)Tune to Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BGCGCD).
Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
G98
C131
G196
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “The Refusal”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"The Refusal" by Karnivool is played in Custom Tuning (BGCGCD) (BGCGCD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (BGCGCD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)
Already tuned to BGCGCD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Karnivool’s Guitar Tunings
Karnivool plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BGCGCD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)BGCGCD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Refusal" in Custom Tuning (BGCGCD) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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 Refusal” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Refusal" by Karnivool in?
"The Refusal" is played in Custom Tuning (BGCGCD): BGCGCD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Refusal"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Karnivool
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Karnivool:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BGCGCD)
Once tuned to BGCGCD, try playing these tracks next: