How to Tune to Iris Tuning

A deeply resonant, drone-heavy tuning where almost all strings are tuned to D, creating a massive wall of unison and octave D notes. This unconventional B-D-D-D-D-D tuning was invented by John Rzeznik specifically for "Iris," one of the most successful rock songs of the 1990s. The tuning makes standard chord shapes impossible but produces the song's signature shimmering, ethereal sound.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	B1	Tune down 5 semitones
String 5	A2	D3	Tune up 5 semitones
String 4	D3	D3	Leave as is
String 3	G3	D4	Tune up 7 semitones
String 2	B3	D4	Tune up 3 semitones
String 1	E4	D4	Tune down a whole step

Printable Iris Tuning chart (PNG / PDF)

Fun Fact

John Rzeznik is known for using a different alternate tuning for nearly every Goo Goo Dolls song — he's estimated to have used over 20 unique tunings throughout his career. The "Iris" tuning is by far the most extreme, with five out of six strings tuned to the same note (D) across different octaves.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Tension WarningThe 3rd string (G→D4), 4th string (B→D4), and 5th string (E→D4) are all tuned UP significantly. Standard strings WILL break. You must use custom gauges.

Recommended Gauge:Custom string sets are necessary. The G string must be tuned up from G3 to D4 — a significant jump that will snap standard strings. Use a thinner plain steel string (.009 or .010) in the G position, and consider using a wound .018 for the B string position (tuned up to D4).

Gear for Iris Tuning

Tools that make tuning to B - D - D - D - D - D 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

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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Irisby The Goo Goo Dolls

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will standard strings break?

Almost certainly yes. The G string needs to go up to D4 (nearly a perfect 5th higher), which will snap any standard G string. The B and high E strings are also tuned to D4, meaning the high E must come down while the B must go up. You need a custom string set: try .054, .032, .022w, .010, .010, .010 or similar.

How to tune to Iris without snapping strings?

The safest approach: 1) Buy individual strings rather than a standard set. 2) For string positions 3, 4, and 5 (all tuned to D4 at 293.66 Hz), use plain .010 gauge strings. 3) Tune UP very slowly, checking tension frequently. 4) Consider tuning the whole guitar a half step lower and using a capo on the 1st fret as an alternative.

What string gauges should I use for B-D-D-D-D-D?

A recommended set: Low B = .056 (wound), D3 = .036 (wound), D3 = .026 (wound), D4 = .013 (plain), D4 = .013 (plain), D4 = .010 (plain). These gauges balance tension across the neck and prevent breakage. Some players use a baritone set with custom plain strings on top.

What are the chord shapes in Iris tuning?

Standard chord shapes don't apply at all in this tuning. The verse uses a combination of fretted notes at specific positions while letting the D strings drone. The intro/verse shape is roughly 4-x-0-0-x-4 with variations. Look up tablature specifically written for this tuning.

Is there a safe way to achieve the Iris sound?

Yes — you can approximate the sound using a capo on a standard DADGAD tuning, or use Open D tuning (DADF#AD) and play adapted chord shapes. You won't get the exact unison effect, but the sonic character will be close without risking string breakage.

Iris Tuning Guitar Tuner