GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

Teen Age Riot Noise Guitar Tuner

Teen Age Riot Noise
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
A110
B123
D147
E165
G196

How to Tune to Teen Age Riot Noise

A noise-rock classic tuning from Sonic Youth's seminal album "Daydream Nation" (1988). The G-A-B-D-E-G tuning was used by Thurston Moore and creates an open, consonant sound that contrasts with Sonic Youth's typically dissonant approach. The tuning outlines a G major 6th/9th chord, providing a surprisingly melodic foundation for the band's experimental textures.

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

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2G2Tune up 3 semitones
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3B2Tune down 3 semitones
String 3G3D3Tune down 5 semitones
String 2B3E3Tune down 7 semitones
String 1E4G3Tune down 9 semitones
Printable Teen Age Riot Noise chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Sonic Youth were famous for bringing dozens of guitars on tour, each pre-tuned to a specific alternate tuning. They used over 50 different tunings across their career and often modified their guitars with screwdrivers and drumsticks wedged between strings to create new sounds. Their guitar tech had to maintain a fleet of instruments, each labeled with its specific tuning.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Tension WarningThe low E string tuned up to G is under very high tension. Use a lighter gauge string in that position or risk snapping it (and possibly damaging the nut or bridge).
Recommended Gauge:Custom gauges are strongly recommended due to the extreme tension changes. The low E is tuned up to G (a minor 3rd higher), significantly increasing tension. Consider using a thinner gauge (.042 or lighter) for the 6th string position. The A string goes down to A (stays), and the D goes down to B.

Gear for Teen Age Riot Noise

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

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

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

Teen Age Riot NoiseIntermediate
G - A - B - D - E - GNo Capo
Song Details
Teen Age Riot NoiseIntermediate
G - A - B - D - E - GNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to set up?
Yes, this tuning requires careful attention to string tensions. The low string goes UP from E to G, which dramatically increases tension. You'll need a lighter gauge string in that position. The other strings involve both upward and downward changes, so a custom string set is the safest approach.
How to tune to Teen Age Riot?
From standard tuning: tune the low E up to G (3 half steps up — use a light gauge!), keep A as-is, tune D down to B (a minor 3rd down), keep G on the 3rd string but note it's now the 4th string pitch D that goes down, tune B down — actually: 6th→G, 5th→A, 4th→B, 3rd→D, 2nd→E, 1st→G. Tune carefully and use the frequency targets above.
What other Daydream Nation tunings did Sonic Youth use?
Sonic Youth used different tunings for nearly every song on Daydream Nation. Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore each had their own set of tunings. Other notable Sonic Youth tunings include F#-F#-F#-F#-E-B (used for 'Expressway to Yr. Skull') and various prepared guitar setups where objects were inserted between strings.
What string gauges should I use for G-A-B-D-E-G?
For the 6th string (tuned to G2 at 98 Hz), use something around .042-.046 to handle the increased tension safely. For the remaining strings, standard light gauges work: .036 for A, .026 for B, .017 for D, .013 for E, .010 for high G. Adjust based on your guitar's scale length.