Venus in Furs
Required String Notes:D - D - D - D - D - D
Tune to Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)How to Tune from Standard to Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Venus in Furs”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | D3 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | D4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
Lou Reed's droning ode uses his 'ostrich' tuning, with every string tuned to the same note so the guitar becomes a single sustained drone. Combined with John Cale's electric viola, it creates the song's hypnotic, sitar-like wall of sound.
Key Chord Voicings:
Single-note drone: 0-0-0-0-0-0Melody fretted over the open drone
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
The Velvet Underground’s Guitar Tunings
The Velvet Underground plays 1 of 5 songs in our catalog in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD). Most-used tunings:
- Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)D - D - D - D - D - D1 song
Gear for Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Venus in Furs" in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD) 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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“Venus in Furs” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Venus in Furs" by The Velvet Underground in?
"Venus in Furs" is played in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD): D - D - D - D - D - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Venus in Furs"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune up 5 semitones (A2 → D3). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune up 3 semitones (B3 → D4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)?
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 The Velvet Underground
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by The Velvet Underground:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Ostrich Tuning (DDDDDD)
Once tuned to D - D - D - D - D - D, try playing these tracks next: