Waking The Demon
Required String Notes:C - G - C - F - A - D
Tune to Drop C TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Drop C Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Waking The Demon”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Waking The Demon" by Bullet for my Valentine is played in Drop C Tuning (C - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. Bullet for my Valentine uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Drop C Tuning
Already tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs
D - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Drop B Tuning39 songs
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Bullet for my Valentine’s Guitar Tunings
Bullet for my Valentine plays 2 of 8 songs in our catalog in Drop C Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Gear for Drop C Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Waking The Demon" in Drop C Tuning easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Waking The Demon” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Waking The Demon" by Bullet for my Valentine in?
"Waking The Demon" is played in Drop C Tuning: C - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Waking The Demon"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for Drop C Tuning?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Bullet for my Valentine songs use this tuning?
"Tears Don't Fall", "Tears Dont Fall" — all in C - G - C - F - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Bullet for my Valentine
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Bullet for my Valentine:
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo
Drop B TuningIntermediate
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#No Capo
Other Songs in Drop C Tuning
Once tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next: