Tune to Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)

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

Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
F#185
B247
D294

How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3F#3Tune down a half step
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4D4Tune 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

"Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Andy Mckee is played in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD) (DADF#BD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to F#, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADF#BD).

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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)

Already tuned to DADF#BD? These tunings are just one small change away.

Andy Mckee’s Guitar Tunings

Andy Mckee plays 1 of 7 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD). Most-used tunings:

Gear for Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)

Strings and tools that make playing "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD) 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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

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“Everybody Wants To Rule The World” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Andy Mckee in?

"Everybody Wants To Rule The World" is played in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD): DADF#BD, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

More Songs by Andy Mckee

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Andy Mckee:

View all 7 songs
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo
Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)Intermediate
ECDGADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (CEFGCE)Intermediate
CEFGCENo Capo
Custom Tuning (DADEAC#)Intermediate
DADEAC#No Capo

Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)

Once tuned to DADF#BD, try playing these tracks next:

Custom Tuning (A#A#D#G#CF)Intermediate
A#A#D#G#CFNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EADGBB)Intermediate
EADGBBNo Capo
Custom Tuning (FG#D#GCF)Intermediate
FG#D#GCFNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DADGBB)Intermediate
DADGBBNo Capo
Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#CF)Intermediate
FA#D#G#CFNo Capo
Custom Tuning (BF#BEAB)Intermediate
BF#BEABNo Capo
Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#F#A#)Intermediate
G#D#G#C#F#A#No Capo
Custom Tuning (GCFA#D#GC)Intermediate
GCFA#D#GCNo Capo