Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"The Transcendental Waterfall" by John Fahey is played in Custom Tuning (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN) (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN). No retuning is needed if your guitar is already in standard tuning. John Fahey uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Gear for Custom Tuning (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN)

Strings and tools that make playing "The Transcendental Waterfall" in Custom Tuning (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN) 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.

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“The Transcendental Waterfall” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Transcendental Waterfall" by John Fahey in?

"The Transcendental Waterfall" is played in Custom Tuning (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN): EADGBE_HALF_DOWN, from the lowest to the highest string. That is standard tuning, so no retuning is needed.

What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN)?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

Which other John Fahey songs use this tuning?

"West Coast Blues" — all in EADGBE_HALF_DOWN, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by John Fahey

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Fahey:

View all 18 songs
Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)Intermediate
DGDGA#DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)Intermediate
GGDGBDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DADADD)Intermediate
DADADDNo Capo
Standard EIntermediate
E - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo

Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EADGBE_HALF_DOWN)

Once tuned to EADGBE_HALF_DOWN, try playing these tracks next:

Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)Intermediate
F#F#BEG#C#No Capo
Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)Intermediate
GGCFADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (CGEGBD)Intermediate
CGEGBDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DGDDAF)Intermediate
DGDDAFNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EGDGBD)Intermediate
EGDGBDNo Capo
Custom Tuning (ADADF#A)Intermediate
ADADF#ANo Capo
Custom Tuning (CGCD#GC)Intermediate
CGCD#GCNo Capo
Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)Intermediate
BEBEBENo Capo