Flow My Tears
Required String Notes:E - A - D - F# - B - E
Tune to Lute / Renaissance TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Flow My Tears”:
| 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 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Flow My Tears" by John Dowland is played in Lute / Renaissance Tuning (E - A - D - F# - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 3 down to F#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 1 semitone down. 11 other songs in our catalog use Lute / Renaissance Tuning.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Already tuned to E - A - D - F# - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs
DADF#BEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EADEBE)6 songs
EADEBEOnly string 3 differs: E instead of F#.Custom Tuning (EAC#F#BE)4 songs
EAC#F#BEOnly string 4 differs: C# instead of D.Gear for Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Flow My Tears" in Lute / Renaissance 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Flow My Tears” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Flow My Tears" by John Dowland in?
"Flow My Tears" is played in Lute / Renaissance Tuning: E - A - D - F# - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Flow My Tears"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Lute / Renaissance Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Once tuned to E - A - D - F# - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo