The Underground in America
byPantera
Required String Notes:GGCFAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GGCFAD).
Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
G98
C131
F175
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “The Underground in America”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G2 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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 Underground in America" by Pantera is played in Custom Tuning (GGCFAD) (GGCFAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Pantera uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)
Already tuned to GGCFAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop C Tuning130 songs
C - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: C instead of G.D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs
D - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of G.Drop C + Low A25 songs
A - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: A instead of G.Custom Tuning (F#F#BEG#C#)5 songs
F#F#BEG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Pantera’s Guitar Tunings
Pantera plays 2 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (GGCFAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)GGCFAD2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Underground in America" in Custom Tuning (GGCFAD) 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“The Underground in America” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Underground in America" by Pantera in?
"The Underground in America" is played in Custom Tuning (GGCFAD): GGCFAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Underground in America"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other Pantera songs use this tuning?
"Reprise (Sandblasted Skin)" — all in GGCFAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Pantera
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Pantera:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GGCFAD)
Once tuned to GGCFAD, try playing these tracks next: