This Is It
byStaind
Required String Notes:C#G#C#G#C#E
Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)Tune to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E).
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)
±0
C#
Target: 69.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C#69
G#104
C#139
G#208
C#277
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “This Is It”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C#2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G#2 | Tune down a half step |
| String 4 | D3 | C#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 3 | G3 | G#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | C#4 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"This Is It" by Staind is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E) (C#G#C#G#C#E). 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 3 up to G#, string 2 up to C#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)
Already tuned to C#G#C#G#C#E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)6 songs
C#G#C#G#C#C#Only string 1 differs: C# instead of E.Custom Tuning (CGCGCD#)4 songs
CGCGCD#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#F)1 song
C#G#C#G#C#FOnly string 1 differs: F instead of E.Custom Tuning (DADADF)1 song
DADADFSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Staind’s Guitar Tunings
Staind plays 1 of 11 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E). Most-used tunings:
Gear for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)
Strings and tools that make playing "This Is It" in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E) 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“This Is It” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "This Is It" by Staind in?
"This Is It" is played in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E): C#G#C#G#C#E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "This Is It"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 3 semitones (E2 → C#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune up a half step (G3 → G#3). String 2: tune up a whole step (B3 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)?
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 Staind
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Staind:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#E)
Once tuned to C#G#C#G#C#E, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#BD#)Intermediate
BF#C#F#BD#No Capo