Wah Wah
Required String Notes:AEAEAE
Tune to Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)Tune to Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (AEAEAE).
Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
E82
A110
E165
A220
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Wah Wah”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | E2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Wah Wah" by Jimmy Page & Robert Plant is played in Custom Tuning (AEAEAE) (AEAEAE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to E, string 4 down to A, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 7 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (AEAEAE).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)
Already tuned to AEAEAE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Gear for Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Wah Wah" in Custom Tuning (AEAEAE) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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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“Wah Wah” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Wah Wah" by Jimmy Page & Robert Plant in?
"Wah Wah" is played in Custom Tuning (AEAEAE): AEAEAE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Wah Wah"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 5 semitones (A2 → E2). String 4: tune down 5 semitones (D3 → A2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (AEAEAE)
Once tuned to AEAEAE, try playing these tracks next: