How to Tune to New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)
Robert Fripp's New Standard Tuning (C-G-D-A-E-G) tunes the lowest five strings in perfect fifths like a cello or mandola, with a high G on top. The all-fifths layout dramatically widens each string's range and creates voicings impossible in standard tuning. Fripp developed it for his Guitar Craft courses and King Crimson work, and a devoted community of players uses it exclusively.
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 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | E4 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | G4 | Tune up 3 semitones |
Robert Fripp devised New Standard Tuning in the early 1980s and taught it to thousands of students through his Guitar Craft seminars. Tuning in fifths means chord shapes and scale patterns are completely different from standard — essentially a new instrument — which Fripp saw as a way to escape ingrained habits.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Gear for New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)
Tools that make tuning to C - G - D - A - E - G 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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