How to Tune from Standard to AADGBE Tuning

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

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2A1Tune down 7 semitones
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave as is
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

"Welcome to the Fold" by Foo Fighters is played in AADGBE Tuning (A - A - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 7 semitones down. Foo Fighters uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to AADGBE Tuning

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

Foo Fighters’s Guitar Tunings

Foo Fighters plays 2 of 10 songs in our catalog in AADGBE Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Gear for AADGBE Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Welcome to the Fold" in AADGBE 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.

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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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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 1 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“Welcome to the Fold” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Welcome to the Fold" by Foo Fighters in?

"Welcome to the Fold" is played in AADGBE Tuning: A - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Welcome to the Fold"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for AADGBE 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 Foo Fighters songs use this tuning?

"Stacked Actors" — all in A - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.

More Songs by Foo Fighters

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Foo Fighters:

View all 10 songs
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Custom Tuning (EADEBE)Intermediate
EADEBENo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo

Other Songs in AADGBE Tuning

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

AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo