FACGCE Guitar Tuning
FACGCE sets the six strings from low to high to F A C G C E. Its lush, colourful and immediately musical voice works especially well for indie guitar, math-rock voicings and F-major-nine textures.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in FACGCE
The open strings contain F, A, C, E and G, outlining an Fmaj9 sonority.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Hold the open top four strings and move the bass from F to G to A for three distinct harmonies.
Shape tip: Keep the open top strings ringing while moving bass notes and compact shapes on the lower strings.
Retune to F A C G C E safely
The low E rises to F and the middle strings move down; use appropriate gauges and tune the low string carefully.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in FACGCE Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to F A C G C E. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is FACGCE Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
The low E rises to F and the middle strings move down; use appropriate gauges and tune the low string carefully. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in FACGCE Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a modern open tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.