4 + 20
Required String Notes:D - A - D - D - A - D
Tune to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)How to Tune from Standard to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “4 + 20”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"4 + 20" by Stephen Stills is played in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal) (D - A - D - D - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Stephen Stills uses this same tuning on 3 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Already tuned to D - A - D - D - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of D.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of D.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of D.DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DOnly string 3 differs: E instead of D.Stephen Stills’s Guitar Tunings
Stephen Stills plays 4 of 4 songs in our catalog in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal). Most-used tunings:
- DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)D - A - D - D - A - D4 songs
Gear for DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Strings and tools that make playing "4 + 20" in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal) easier.
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)
Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“4 + 20” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "4 + 20" by Stephen Stills in?
"4 + 20" is played in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal): D - A - D - D - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "4 + 20"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Stephen Stills songs use this tuning?
"Four and Twenty", "Judy Blue Eyes", "Word Game" — all in D - A - D - D - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Stephen Stills
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Stephen Stills:
Other Songs in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Once tuned to D - A - D - D - A - D, try playing these tracks next:
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo