all along the watchtower
Required String Notes:DAEEAA
Tune to Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)Tune to Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DAEEAA).
Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
E165
E165
A220
A220
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “all along the watchtower”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | A3 | Tune down 7 semitones |
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
"all along the watchtower" by Michael Hedges Tuning is played in Custom Tuning (DAEEAA) (DAEEAA). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 up to E, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to A. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DAEEAA).
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Gear for Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)
Strings and tools that make playing "all along the watchtower" in Custom Tuning (DAEEAA) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“all along the watchtower” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "all along the watchtower" by Michael Hedges Tuning in?
"all along the watchtower" is played in Custom Tuning (DAEEAA): DAEEAA, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "all along the watchtower"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 7 semitones (E4 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DAEEAA)
Once tuned to DAEEAA, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (D#A#FA#CF)Intermediate
D#A#FA#CFNo Capo