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Neon Tuning (Drop C Acoustic) Guitar Tuner

Neon Tuning (Drop C Acoustic)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
A110
D147
G196
B247
E330

How to Tune to Neon Tuning (Drop C Acoustic)

The iconic percussive acoustic track "Neon" uses a unique Drop C tuning where only the low E string is dropped to C, while all other strings remain in standard. This creates a deep bass note that Mayer uses as a rhythmic anchor for his legendary slap technique. The song is widely considered one of the most difficult acoustic guitar pieces ever written.

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

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2C2Tune down 4 semitones
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave as is
Printable Neon Tuning (Drop C Acoustic) chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Mayer's live version of "Neon" is considered significantly harder than the studio recording. His right-hand slap technique combines thumb bass notes, finger plucks, and percussive hits simultaneously. Many professional guitarists cite it as one of the hardest acoustic performances to replicate.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:A thicker low E string (.054 or .056) is strongly recommended to maintain tension and tone when dropped to C. The remaining five strings stay in standard tuning, so standard gauges (.012-.053 for acoustic) work fine.

Gear for Neon Tuning (Drop C Acoustic)

Tools that make tuning to C - A - D - G - B - 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

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

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

View winder

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Neon Drop C TuningAdvanced
C - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Neon played fingerstyle?
Yes, but it goes far beyond traditional fingerstyle. Mayer uses a highly percussive slap technique where his thumb strikes the low strings while his index and middle fingers pluck the higher strings. He also incorporates palm muting and string slapping for a rhythmic, almost drum-like quality.
How to tune for Neon by John Mayer?
From standard tuning, you only need to drop the low E string down to C — that's two full steps down. All other strings (A, D, G, B, high E) stay exactly where they are. Use the tuner above to match the low string to 65.41 Hz.
Why is Neon in Drop C?
The low C provides a deep bass drone that acts as the rhythmic foundation of the song. Mayer uses his thumb to slap this bass note on beats 1 and 3, creating a percussive groove that wouldn't be possible with a standard low E. The interval between the C and the A string also creates a richer harmonic palette.
What is the Neon thumb slap technique?
Mayer's 'thumb slap' involves striking the low C string with the side of his right-hand thumb in a downward motion, similar to a bass guitar slap. This creates both the bass note and a percussive 'click.' Between slaps, his index and middle fingers pick the melody on the higher strings.
What string gauge does John Mayer use for Neon?
Mayer has been known to use medium gauge strings (.013-.056) on his acoustic guitars. For Neon specifically, a heavier low string (.054-.056) is important since it's tuned down to C. Lighter gauges will sound floppy and lose definition at that pitch.