Jeff Beck - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Standard
- String Gauge
- Variable: .009-.042 to .011-.049 (changed throughout tours)
- String Brand
- Ernie Ball
- Genre
- Classic Rock
About Jeff Beck's Sound
Geoffrey Arnold Beck (1944-2023) was one of the most technically accomplished and innovative rock guitarists. After the Yardbirds, he formed the Jeff Beck Group (featuring Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood), then pursued an instrumental career that defied categorization. Beck abandoned picks entirely in the 1980s, developing a fingers-only technique that gave him unprecedented control over dynamics and expression. His use of the tremolo arm was revolutionary - treating it as an essential part of his technique rather than an effect. Beck won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame twice.
Tunings Used
E Standard - 8 songs
- Cause We've Ended as LoversTry this tuning →
- Beck's BoleroTry this tuning →
- Freeway JamTry this tuning →
- Blue WindTry this tuning →
- Where Were YouTry this tuning →
- People Get ReadyTry this tuning →
- Brush With the BluesTry this tuning →
- A Day in the LifeTry this tuning →
String Setup
Primary Strings
Ernie Ball
Variable: .009-.042 to .011-.049 (changed throughout tours)
Why Jeff Beck uses these
Beck was known for changing string gauges throughout tours, starting lighter and gradually moving heavier as his fingers toughened. His pickless technique required specific string response - he relied on finger attack variations for dynamics. Beck's extensive use of the Stratocaster tremolo arm required careful setup, and his tech maintained extremely precise spring tension. He often started tours with .009-.042 and ended with .011-.049. His use of volume swells, harmonics, and tremolo arm created sounds often mistaken for synthesizers.