Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn
Required String Notes:CGDACD
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDACD)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDACD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGDACD).
Custom Tuning (CGDACD)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D147
A220
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGDACD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn”:
| 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 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| 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
"Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (CGDACD) (CGDACD). 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 3 up to A, 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. Sonic Youth 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 (CGDACD)
Already tuned to CGDACD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGDACD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGDACD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn" in Custom Tuning (CGDACD) 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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“Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn" by Sonic Youth in?
"Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn" is played in Custom Tuning (CGDACD): CGDACD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Thunderclap For Bobby Pyn"?
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 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). 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 (CGDACD)?
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 Sonic Youth songs use this tuning?
"What We Know" — all in CGDACD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGDACD)
Once tuned to CGDACD, try playing these tracks next: