How to Tune from Standard to D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “This Calling”:
| 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 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"This Calling" by All That Remains is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down (D - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, 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. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. All That Remains uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Tunings Close to D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Already tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
All That Remains’s Guitar Tunings
All That Remains plays 2 of 6 songs in our catalog in D Standard / Whole-Step Down. Most-used tunings:
- D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Gear for D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Strings and tools that make playing "This Calling" in D Standard / Whole-Step Down 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“This Calling” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "This Calling" by All That Remains in?
"This Calling" is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down: D - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "This Calling"?
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 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 D Standard / Whole-Step Down?
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 All That Remains songs use this tuning?
"the air that i breathe" — all in D - G - C - F - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by All That Remains
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by All That Remains:
Other Songs in D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Once tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next: