How to Tune from Standard to Lute / Renaissance Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Us against the world”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2E2Leave as is
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3F#3Tune down a half step
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave as is
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Us against the world" by Coldplay is played in Lute / Renaissance Tuning (E - A - D - F# - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 3 down to F#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 1 semitone down. 11 other songs in our catalog use Lute / Renaissance Tuning.

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Tunings Close to Lute / Renaissance Tuning

Already tuned to E - A - D - F# - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Coldplay’s Guitar Tunings

Coldplay plays 1 of 14 songs in our catalog in Lute / Renaissance Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Gear for Lute / Renaissance Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Us against the world" in Lute / Renaissance Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)

Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

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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.

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“Us against the world” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Us against the world" by Coldplay in?

"Us against the world" is played in Lute / Renaissance Tuning: E - A - D - F# - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Us against the world"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Lute / Renaissance Tuning?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

More Songs by Coldplay

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Coldplay:

View all 14 songs
Custom Tuning (EADGBC)Intermediate
EADGBCNo Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
C# Standard TuningIntermediate
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Open E TuningIntermediate
E - B - E - G# - B - ENo Capo

Other Songs in Lute / Renaissance Tuning

Once tuned to E - A - D - F# - B - E, try playing these tracks next:

Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo