Burgh Island

byBen Howard

Required String Notes:DADAAD

Tune to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)

Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADAAD).

Custom Tuning (DADAAD)

±0

Target: 73.4 Hz

-50WAITING+50

D73

A110

D147

A220

D294

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Burgh Island”:

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	A3	Tune up a whole step
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

"Burgh Island" by Ben Howard is played in Custom Tuning (DADAAD) (DADAAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 up to A, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Ben Howard uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)

Already tuned to DADAAD? These tunings are just one small change away.

Open D Tuning77 songs

D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of A.

DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs

D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of A.

Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs

D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of A.

DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs

D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 3 differs: D instead of A.

Ben Howard’s Guitar Tunings

Ben Howard plays 2 of 23 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADAAD). Most-used tunings:

CGCGGC TuningC - G - C - G - G - C12 songs
DADAADD - A - D - A - A - D2 songs
Open C TuningC - G - C - G - C - E1 song
Custom Tuning (CGCGCG)CGCGCG1 song
Custom Tuning (CGA#GFC)CGA#GFC1 song

Gear for Custom Tuning (DADAAD)

Strings and tools that make playing "Burgh Island" in Custom Tuning (DADAAD) 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Burgh Island” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Burgh Island" by Ben Howard in?

"Burgh Island" is played in Custom Tuning (DADAAD): DADAAD, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Burgh Island"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). 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.