Betsy the Serving Maid
Required String Notes:DGDGCD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DGDGCD).
Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
D147
G196
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Betsy the Serving Maid”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | C4 | Tune up a half 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
"Betsy the Serving Maid" by Martin Simpson is played in Custom Tuning (DGDGCD) (DGDGCD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DGDGCD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)
Already tuned to DGDGCD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 2 differs: B instead of C.Open G Minor11 songs
D - G - D - G - Bb - DOnly string 2 differs: A# instead of C.DGDGAD Tuning9 songs
D - G - D - G - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of C.The Rain Song (DGCGCD)5 songs
D - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 4 differs: C instead of D.Martin Simpson’s Guitar Tunings
Martin Simpson plays 1 of 5 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DGDGCD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)DGDGCD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Betsy the Serving Maid" in Custom Tuning (DGDGCD) 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.
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“Betsy the Serving Maid” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Betsy the Serving Maid" by Martin Simpson in?
"Betsy the Serving Maid" is played in Custom Tuning (DGDGCD): DGDGCD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Betsy the Serving Maid"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Martin Simpson
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Martin Simpson:
Open G VariantIntermediate
C - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)
Once tuned to DGDGCD, try playing these tracks next: