Black Eyed Dog
Required String Notes:GGDGBD
Tune to Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)Tune to Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (GGDGBD).
Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)
±0
G
Target: 98.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
G98
G98
D147
G196
B247
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Black Eyed Dog”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | G2 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Black Eyed Dog" by Nick Drake is played in Custom Tuning (GGDGBD) (GGDGBD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 up to G, string 5 down to G, 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 (GGDGBD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)
Already tuned to GGDGBD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Nick Drake’s Guitar Tunings
Nick Drake plays 1 of 52 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (GGDGBD). Most-used tunings:
- Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E17 songs
- BEBEBEB - E - B - E - B - E6 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Black Eyed Dog" in Custom Tuning (GGDGBD) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Black Eyed Dog” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Black Eyed Dog" by Nick Drake in?
"Black Eyed Dog" is played in Custom Tuning (GGDGBD): GGDGBD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Black Eyed Dog"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up 3 semitones (E2 → G2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). 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 (GGDGBD)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Nick Drake
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Nick Drake:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (GGDGBD)
Once tuned to GGDGBD, try playing these tracks next: