Tonga
Required String Notes:EBEADGB
Tune to Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)Tune to Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EBEADGB).
Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
B123
E165
A220
D294
G392
B494
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)
Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “Tonga”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 7 | B1 | E2 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 6 | E2 | B2 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | E3 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A3 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D4 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G4 | Tune up 8 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | B4 | Tune up 7 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Tonga" by Jason Richardson is played in Custom Tuning (EBEADGB) (EBEADGB). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 up to E, string 6 up to B, string 5 up to E, string 4 up to A, string 3 up to D, string 2 up to G, string 1 up to B. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (EBEADGB).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)
Already tuned to EBEADGB? These tunings are just one small change away.
Gear for Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)
Strings and tools that make playing "Tonga" in Custom Tuning (EBEADGB) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)
Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
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 7 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Tonga” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Tonga" by Jason Richardson in?
"Tonga" is played in Custom Tuning (EBEADGB): EBEADGB, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Tonga"?
Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune up 5 semitones (B1 → E2). String 6: tune up 7 semitones (E2 → B2). String 5: tune up 7 semitones (A2 → E3). String 4: tune up 7 semitones (D3 → A3). String 3: tune up 7 semitones (G3 → D4). String 2: tune up 8 semitones (B3 → G4). String 1: tune up 7 semitones (E4 → B4).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)?
Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EBEADGB)
Once tuned to EBEADGB, try playing these tracks next: