The Wolves

Required String Notes:C - G - C - G - G - C

How to Tune from Standard to CGCGGC Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “The Wolves”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	C2	Tune down 4 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	G3	Tune down 4 semitones
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 semitones

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 Wolves" by Ben Howard is played in CGCGGC Tuning (C - G - C - G - G - C). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Ben Howard uses this same tuning on 11 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to CGCGGC Tuning

Already tuned to C - G - C - G - G - C? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open C Major (CGCEGC)19 songs

C - G - C - E - G - COnly string 3 differs: E instead of G.

CGCFGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - F - G - COnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.

Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)10 songs

CGCGCCOnly string 2 differs: C instead of G.

DADAAD9 songs

D - A - D - A - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Ben Howard’s Guitar Tunings

Ben Howard plays 12 of 23 songs in our catalog in CGCGGC Tuning. Most-used tunings:

CGCGGC TuningC - G - C - G - G - C12 songs
DADAADD - A - D - A - A - D2 songs
Open C TuningC - G - C - G - C - E1 song
Custom Tuning (CGCGCG)CGCGCG1 song
Custom Tuning (CGA#GFC)CGA#GFC1 song

Gear for CGCGGC Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "The Wolves" in CGCGGC Tuning 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.

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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.

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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 Wolves” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Wolves" by Ben Howard in?

"The Wolves" is played in CGCGGC Tuning: C - G - C - G - G - C, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "The Wolves"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for CGCGGC Tuning?

Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

Which other Ben Howard songs use this tuning?

"Bones", "Depth over distance", "Diamonds", "Empty Corridors", "Everything", "Follaton Wood" and 5 more — all in C - G - C - G - G - C, so you can play them without retuning.