Cortez The Killer
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - D
Tune to Double Drop D TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Double Drop D Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Cortez The Killer”:
| 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 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Cortez The Killer" by Neil Young is played in Double Drop D Tuning (D - A - D - G - B - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Neil Young 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 Double Drop D Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - B - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of B.Custom Tuning (EADGBD)11 songs
EADGBDOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Neil Young’s Guitar Tunings
Neil Young plays 2 of 11 songs in our catalog in Double Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Double Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - D2 songs
- Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)CGCFAC2 songs
Gear for Double Drop D Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Cortez The Killer" in Double Drop D Tuning 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.
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“Cortez The Killer” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Cortez The Killer" by Neil Young in?
"Cortez The Killer" is played in Double Drop D Tuning: D - A - D - G - B - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Cortez The Killer"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Double Drop D Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Neil Young songs use this tuning?
"Cinnamon Girl" — all in D - A - D - G - B - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Neil Young
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Neil Young:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Double Drop D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next: