Tunic Song for Karen
Required String Notes:GGDDGG
Tune to Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)Tune to Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GGDDGG).
Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
G98
D147
D147
G196
G196
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Tunic Song for Karen”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G2 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | G3 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G3 | Tune down 9 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Tunic Song for Karen" by Sonic Youth is played in Custom Tuning (GGDDGG) (GGDDGG). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 5 down to G, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to G, string 1 down to G. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (GGDDGG).
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Sonic Youth’s Guitar Tunings
Sonic Youth plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (GGDDGG). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EGDGBE)EGDGBE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)
Strings and tools that make playing "Tunic Song for Karen" in Custom Tuning (GGDDGG) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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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“Tunic Song for Karen” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Tunic Song for Karen" by Sonic Youth in?
"Tunic Song for Karen" is played in Custom Tuning (GGDDGG): GGDDGG, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Tunic Song for Karen"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune down 4 semitones (B3 → G3). String 1: tune down 9 semitones (E4 → G3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Sonic Youth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Sonic Youth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GGDDGG)
Once tuned to GGDDGG, try playing these tracks next: