Nashville Tuner (High-Strung)

42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.

Nashville (high-strung) tuning is E A D G B E, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 4 strings change.

The four lowest strings are replaced with thin strings an octave higher, as on the upper half of a 12-string. Bright and sparkly when doubled with a normal guitar.

Nashville notes and frequencies

String	Note	Frequency (A = 440 Hz)	Change
1st (highest)	E4	329.63 Hz	as standard
2nd	B3	246.94 Hz	as standard
3rd	G4	392.00 Hz	+12 from G
4th	D4	293.66 Hz	+12 from D
5th	A3	220.00 Hz	+12 from A
6th (lowest)	E3	164.81 Hz	+12 from E

How to tune to Nashville from standard

Replace the 6th string with a thin string (the octave string from a 12-string set) and tune it to E3, an octave above the usual note. Do not try to tune a normal string up an octave: it will break.
Replace the 5th string with a thin string (the octave string from a 12-string set) and tune it to A3, an octave above the usual note. Do not try to tune a normal string up an octave: it will break.
Replace the 4th string with a thin string (the octave string from a 12-string set) and tune it to D4, an octave above the usual note. Do not try to tune a normal string up an octave: it will break.
Replace the 3rd string with a thin string (the octave string from a 12-string set) and tune it to G4, an octave above the usual note. Do not try to tune a normal string up an octave: it will break.

What to play in Nashville

How the strings relate

From low to high the strings are perfect fourth, perfect fourth, perfect fourth, minor sixth down, perfect fourth apart.

What to play

Play your normal chord shapes: they sound as in standard, but with the low strings an octave higher the chords become light and sparkly. It shines doubled with a normal guitar.

Common questions

How do I tune my guitar to Nashville?

Starting from standard tuning: 6th string up an octave to E; 5th string up an octave to A; 4th string up an octave to D; 3rd string up an octave to G. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.

What are the notes of Nashville tuning?

From the lowest string to the highest: E3, A3, D4, G4, B3, E4 (E A D G B E).

How do I get back to standard tuning?

Reverse the changes: 6th string down an octave to E; 5th string down an octave to A; 4th string down an octave to D; 3rd string down an octave to G.

Is Nashville safe for my guitar?

It raises at least one string by three semitones or more, which adds tension. Tune up slowly, and consider a lighter gauge for those strings.

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