Country Blues
Required String Notes:E - A - D - G - A - E
Tune to EADGAE TuningHow to Tune from Standard to EADGAE Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Country Blues”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Country Blues" by John Renbourn is played in EADGAE Tuning (E - A - D - G - A - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 2 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. John Renbourn 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 EADGAE Tuning
Already tuned to E - A - D - G - A - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A.Custom Tuning (DADGAE)6 songs
DADGAEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EADF#AE)3 songs
EADF#AEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Custom Tuning (EADGAD)3 songs
EADGADOnly string 1 differs: D instead of E.John Renbourn’s Guitar Tunings
John Renbourn plays 2 of 13 songs in our catalog in EADGAE Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- EADGAE TuningE - A - D - G - A - E2 songs
Gear for EADGAE Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Country Blues" in EADGAE 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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“Country Blues” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Country Blues" by John Renbourn in?
"Country Blues" is played in EADGAE Tuning: E - A - D - G - A - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Country Blues"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for EADGAE Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other John Renbourn songs use this tuning?
"Faro anne" — all in E - A - D - G - A - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by John Renbourn
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Renbourn:
Other Songs in EADGAE Tuning
Once tuned to E - A - D - G - A - E, try playing these tracks next:
EADGAE TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - G - A - ENo Capo