GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

EADGAE Tuning Guitar Tuner

EADGAE Tuning
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
D147
G196
A220
E330

How to Tune to EADGAE Tuning

A subtle, near-standard tuning (E-A-D-G-A-E) that only changes the second string from B up to A. That single move — lowering the B a whole step — turns ordinary chord shapes into ringing, suspended voicings with an extra open A drone. Radiohead used it on "Airbag," and folk/fingerstyle players like John Renbourn and Nick Drake reached for the same idea.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2E2Leave as is
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4E4Leave as is
Printable EADGAE Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

On "Airbag," this tiny retune — just the B string up to A — is why the song’s opening chords sound so distinctively hollow and modal. Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien often used small, unconventional tunings and capos to make familiar shapes sound alien.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Standard gauges (.010-.046 electric or .012-.053 acoustic). Only the second string changes — the B is lowered a whole step to A, which slightly reduces tension and is completely safe with any normal set.

Gear for EADGAE Tuning

Tools that make tuning to E - A - D - G - A - E easier.

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

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo
Song Details
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo
Song Details
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo
Song Details
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What tuning is Airbag by Radiohead in?
"Airbag" uses EADGAE — standard tuning with only the B string lowered a whole step to A. The extra open A creates the song's ringing, suspended chord sound.
How do I tune to EADGAE?
From standard, simply lower the second string (B) a whole step to A. Every other string stays exactly at standard pitch. Use the tuner above to reach A precisely.
Is EADGAE hard to play in?
No — because five of six strings are standard, most of your chord shapes still work. The raised second string just adds an open A drone, turning ordinary chords into lush, suspended voicings.
What are the frequencies for EADGAE?
E2 = 82.41 Hz, A2 = 110.00 Hz, D3 = 146.83 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, A3 = 220.00 Hz, E4 = 329.63 Hz.