When The Catfish Is In Bloom

byJohn Fahey

Required String Notes:CGCGCC

Tune to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGCGCC).

Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)

±0

Target: 65.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

C65

G98

C131

G196

C262

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “When The Catfish Is In Bloom”:

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	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	C4	Tune up a half step
String 1	E4	C4	Tune down 4 semitones

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

"When The Catfish Is In Bloom" by John Fahey is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC) (CGCGCC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (CGCGCC).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)

Already tuned to CGCGCC? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open C Tuning34 songs

C - G - C - G - C - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of C.

CGCGGC Tuning14 songs

C - G - C - G - G - COnly string 2 differs: G instead of C.

CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)12 songs

C - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of C.

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#G#C#C#)6 songs

C#G#C#G#C#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

John Fahey’s Guitar Tunings

John Fahey plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC). Most-used tunings:

Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E4 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Open G MinorD - G - D - G - Bb - D1 song
Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)GGDGBD1 song
DADADD (Tremonti)D - A - D - A - D - D1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (CGCGCC)

Strings and tools that make playing "When The Catfish Is In Bloom" in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC) 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“When The Catfish Is In Bloom” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "When The Catfish Is In Bloom" by John Fahey in?

"When The Catfish Is In Bloom" is played in Custom Tuning (CGCGCC): CGCGCC, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "When The Catfish Is In Bloom"?

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 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.