The Wolf Is Loose
byMastodon
Required String Notes:DGCGCD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DGCGCD).
Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
C131
G196
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “The Wolf Is Loose”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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: .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 Wolf Is Loose" by Mastodon is played in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD) (DGCGCD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, 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 (DGCGCD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Already tuned to DGCGCD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Mastodon’s Guitar Tunings
Mastodon plays 1 of 15 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD). Most-used tunings:
- The Rain Song (DGCGCD)D - G - C - G - C - D1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "The Wolf Is Loose" in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“The Wolf Is Loose” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Wolf Is Loose" by Mastodon in?
"The Wolf Is Loose" is played in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD): DGCGCD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Wolf Is Loose"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). 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 (DGCGCD)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Mastodon
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Mastodon:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DGCGCD)
Once tuned to DGCGCD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (F#A#C#FA#C#)Intermediate
F#A#C#FA#C#No Capo