These Walls
Required String Notes:ADGCEA
Tune to Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)Tune to Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ADGCEA).
Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
D73
G98
C131
E165
A220
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “These Walls”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | D2 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | G2 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | C3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | E3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | A3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"These Walls" by Dream Theater is played in Custom Tuning (ADGCEA) (ADGCEA). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to D, string 4 down to G, string 3 down to C, string 2 down to E, string 1 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 7 semitones down. Dream Theater 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 (ADGCEA)
Already tuned to ADGCEA? These tunings are just one small change away.
B Standard / Baritone75 songs
B - E - A - D - F# - BSame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Bb Standard Tuning24 songs
Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - F - BbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (G#C#F#BD#G#)3 songs
G#C#F#BD#G#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Dream Theater’s Guitar Tunings
Dream Theater plays 2 of 34 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ADGCEA). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)ADGCEA2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)
Strings and tools that make playing "These Walls" in Custom Tuning (ADGCEA) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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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“These Walls” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "These Walls" by Dream Theater in?
"These Walls" is played in Custom Tuning (ADGCEA): ADGCEA, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "These Walls"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 7 semitones (A2 → D2). String 4: tune down 7 semitones (D3 → G2). String 3: tune down 7 semitones (G3 → C3). String 2: tune down 7 semitones (B3 → E3). String 1: tune down 7 semitones (E4 → A3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
Which other Dream Theater songs use this tuning?
"Blind Faith" — all in ADGCEA, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Dream Theater
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Dream Theater:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ADGCEA)
Once tuned to ADGCEA, try playing these tracks next: