Bound for Botany Bay
Required String Notes:CFCGCD
Tune to Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)Tune to Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CFCGCD).
Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
F87
C131
G196
C262
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Bound for Botany Bay”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Bound for Botany Bay" by John Doyle is played in Custom Tuning (CFCGCD) (CFCGCD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to C, 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. John Doyle uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)
Already tuned to CFCGCD? These tunings are just one small change away.
John Doyle’s Guitar Tunings
John Doyle plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CFCGCD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)CFCGCD2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Bound for Botany Bay" in Custom Tuning (CFCGCD) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Bound for Botany Bay” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Bound for Botany Bay" by John Doyle in?
"Bound for Botany Bay" is played in Custom Tuning (CFCGCD): CFCGCD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Bound for Botany Bay"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). 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 (CFCGCD)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other John Doyle songs use this tuning?
"cold windyhaily night" — all in CFCGCD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by John Doyle
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Doyle:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CFCGCD)
Once tuned to CFCGCD, try playing these tracks next: