Don't let bring you down

Required String Notes:C - G - C - F - A - D

How to Tune from Standard to Drop C Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Don't let bring you down”:

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	C3	Tune down a whole step
String 3	G3	F3	Tune down a whole step
String 2	B3	A3	Tune down a whole 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

"Don't let bring you down" by Neil Young is played in Drop C Tuning (C - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 129 other songs in our catalog use Drop C Tuning.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Drop C Tuning

Already tuned to C - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

Drop D Tuning130 songs

D - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

D Standard / Whole-Step Down86 songs

D - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: D instead of C.

Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs

Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Drop B Tuning39 songs

B - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Neil Young’s Guitar Tunings

Neil Young plays 1 of 11 songs in our catalog in Drop C Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Double Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - D2 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)CGCFAC2 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E1 song
Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D1 song

Gear for Drop C Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Don't let bring you down" in Drop C Tuning 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.

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

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Don't let bring you down” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Don't let bring you down" by Neil Young in?

"Don't let bring you down" is played in Drop C Tuning: C - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Don't let bring you down"?

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 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).