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FACGCE Guitar Tuning
FACGCE tuning notes:
F2A2C3G3C4E4
This tuner is preset to FACGCE guitar tuning. Tune F2-A2-C3-G3-C4-E4 from low F to high E for math rock, emo, indie, and open-string fingerstyle textures.
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Popular Songs in FACGCE
Practice these carefully selected songs to get familiar with FACGCE tuning. Each song showcases different techniques and chord progressions possible with this tuning.
Songs
2
Beginner
0
Genres
1
AdvancedIndie Rock2017
Mary
Alex G
Complex open tuning creating unique harmonic textures and drone effects.
Great for practicing facgce techniques
IntermediateIndie Rock2019
Powerful Man
Alex G
Showcases how alternative tunings can create unexpected chord voicings.
Great for practicing facgce techniques
Why These Songs Work Well in FACGCE
These songs were specifically chosen because they take advantage of FACGCEtuning's unique characteristics. Whether it's the open chord voicings, easier fingering patterns, or the distinctive sound that this tuning provides, each song demonstrates why many guitarists choose FACGCE for their music. Practice these songs to develop your ear for this tuning and discover new playing techniques.
Practice Tips for FACGCE
- Start with the beginner-level songs to get comfortable with the tuning
- Focus on how chord shapes differ from standard tuning
- Listen to the original recordings to understand the intended sound
- Practice transitioning between FACGCE and standard tuning
- Experiment with the open strings to discover new chord voicings
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Learn FACGCE After You Tune
Use this page as a short practice route: tune to F2-A2-C3-G3-C4-E4, hear how the open strings behave, then move into songs, related tunings, and chord shapes that make FACGCE useful.
Difficulty
Advanced
Best approached as a advanced guitar tuning.
Songs
2
Filter the song list by difficulty and genre once you are tuned.
Best for
FACGCE guitar tuner, F-A-C-G-C-E tuning notes, math rock voicings, indie and emo guitar textures
First practice targets
About FACGCE Guitar Tuning (F-A-C-G-C-E)
FACGCE tuning (F-A-C-G-C-E) is an open, suspended-sounding alternate tuning used heavily in modern indie, emo, math rock, and fingerstyle guitar. The open strings create a bright F major 9 color: F, A, C, E, plus the ringing G as the 9th.
Use the FACGCE tuner here as an F-A-C-G-C-E note check: 6th string F2, 5th string A2, 4th string C3, 3rd string G3, 2nd string C4, and 1st string E4.
Players like FACGCE because it turns simple shapes into wide, piano-like voicings. The doubled C strings and high open E make melodies shimmer, while the low F gives the tuning a grounded bass note without feeling as dark as lower drop tunings.
FACGCE is less about power chords and more about texture. It works especially well for open-string drones, two-hand tapping, suspended chord shapes, and clean arpeggios where notes keep ringing into each other.
FACGCE Tuning Notes (F-A-C-G-C-E)
From lowest to highest: F2-A2-C3-G3-C4-E4
6th string
87.31 Hz
Low F, raised one half step from standard low E and the bass root of the open FACGCE voicing.
5th string
110.00 Hz
A string, unchanged from standard tuning and the major third above F.
4th string
130.81 Hz
C string, lowered one whole step from standard D and part of the open F major color.
3rd string
196.00 Hz
G string, unchanged from standard tuning and the note that gives FACGCE its airy add9 sound.
2nd string
261.63 Hz
High C, raised one half step from standard B and doubled above the 4th string.
1st string
329.63 Hz
High E, unchanged from standard tuning and the major seventh color above F.
Recommended String Gauges for FACGCE Guitar Tuning
.010-.046 or .011-.049
Standard electric gauges can work for FACGCE because most strings stay close to standard pitch. The 6th string rises from E to F and the 2nd string rises from B to C, so avoid old or very light strings if you tune up frequently. Acoustic players may prefer .011 or .012 sets for more sustain.
Common Chords in FACGCE Guitar Tuning
Fmaj9 (open)
Strum all six open strings. This is the signature FACGCE sound: F in the bass with open A, C, G, C, and E ringing above it.
Open Drone Shapes
Hold small two-finger shapes on the middle strings while leaving the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings open for the classic shimmering texture.
C Add9 Colors
Use the doubled C strings as anchors for bright C-based voicings. These shapes are useful for indie and math rock progressions.
Movable Bass Notes
Move the 6th-string bass note while keeping the top strings open to create wide, suspended chord changes.
How to Tune a Guitar to FACGCE (F2-A2-C3-G3-C4-E4)
1
Select the FACGCE preset and start from standard tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E.
2
Tune the 6th string up a half step from E2 to F2. Move slowly and use the tuner carefully because this string is being raised, not lowered.
3
Leave the 5th string at A2.
4
Tune the 4th string down a whole step from D3 to C3.
5
Leave the 3rd string at G3.
6
Tune the 2nd string up a half step from B3 to C4, then leave the 1st string at E4.
7
Strum the open strings and listen for a bright, ringing F-A-C-G-C-E voicing. Recheck the raised F and C strings after a minute because they can settle sharp or flat.
FACGCE Tuning FAQ
Quick answers for choosing strings, learning songs, and practicing this tuning.
What notes are in FACGCE tuning?
FACGCE tuning uses F-A-C-G-C-E from lowest to highest string. With exact octaves, the notes are F2, A2, C3, G3, C4, and E4.
How do I tune a guitar to FACGCE?
Start from standard tuning, raise the 6th string from E2 to F2, keep A2, lower D3 to C3, keep G3, raise B3 to C4, and keep E4. Tune the raised F and C strings slowly.
Is FACGCE an open tuning?
FACGCE is an open-sounding alternate tuning. The open strings create an F major 9 color rather than a plain major chord, which is why it sounds bright, suspended, and spacious.
Is FACGCE good for math rock and emo guitar?
Yes. FACGCE is popular for math rock, emo, indie rock, and modern fingerstyle because small shapes can leave open strings ringing while melodies move across the doubled C strings and high E.
What music uses FACGCE tuning?
FACGCE is common in indie rock, emo, math rock, and modern fingerstyle guitar. Players use it for ringing open strings, unusual chord voicings, tapping parts, and clean arpeggiated textures.
Do I need heavier strings for FACGCE?
Usually no. A normal .010-.046 electric set works for many players, but .011-.049 can feel more stable. Because two strings are tuned up by a half step, make sure your strings are fresh and tune gradually.
What is FACGCE tuning best for?
FACGCE is especially useful for FACGCE guitar tuner, F-A-C-G-C-E tuning notes, math rock voicings. It changes the way open strings and chord shapes feel, so spend a few minutes listening to the open strings before learning full songs.
Is FACGCE tuning good for beginners?
FACGCE is an advanced tuning. Beginners can use it, but it helps to learn the target notes first and start with slower songs before trying fast chord changes.
What songs use FACGCE tuning?
Popular examples in FACGCE include Mary by Alex G, Powerful Man by Alex G. Use the song list on this page to filter by difficulty and pick a first practice target.