Danny Boy
Required String Notes:C - G - D - G - C - D
Tune to Orkney (CGDGCD)How to Tune from Standard to Orkney (CGDGCD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Danny Boy”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 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 | C4 | Tune up a half step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
The traditional Irish air is a well-documented showcase for Steve Baughman's Orkney tuning (CGDGCD), whose stacked C/G/D drones let the melody ring against open sympathetic strings for a rich, harp-like Celtic sound.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open Csus2/Gsus drone (0-0-0-0-0-0)Movable two-finger I-IV-V shapesMelody over ringing drones
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Orkney (CGDGCD)
Already tuned to C - G - D - G - C - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
CGCGCD Tuning (Csus2 Modal)12 songs
C - G - C - G - C - DOnly string 4 differs: C instead of D.Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)4 songs
DGDGCDOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (CGDGGD)3 songs
CGDGGDOnly string 2 differs: G instead of C.Custom Tuning (FGDGCD)2 songs
FGDGCDOnly string 6 differs: F instead of C.Traditional’s Guitar Tunings
Traditional plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Orkney (CGDGCD). Most-used tunings:
- Orkney (CGDGCD)C - G - D - G - C - D1 song
Gear for Orkney (CGDGCD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Danny Boy" in Orkney (CGDGCD) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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 4 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.
“Danny Boy” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Danny Boy" by Traditional in?
"Danny Boy" is played in Orkney (CGDGCD): C - G - D - G - C - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Danny Boy"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). 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 Orkney (CGDGCD)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Traditional
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Traditional: