For My Father
Required String Notes:ECDGAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ECDGAD).
Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
C131
D147
G196
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “For My Father”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | C3 | Tune up 3 semitones |
| 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 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"For My Father" by Andy Mckee is played in Custom Tuning (ECDGAD) (ECDGAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 5 up to C, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Andy Mckee 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 Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)
Already tuned to ECDGAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Andy Mckee’s Guitar Tunings
Andy Mckee plays 2 of 7 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ECDGAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)ECDGAD2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "For My Father" in Custom Tuning (ECDGAD) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“For My Father” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "For My Father" by Andy Mckee in?
"For My Father" is played in Custom Tuning (ECDGAD): ECDGAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "For My Father"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune up 3 semitones (A2 → C3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). 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 (ECDGAD)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
Which other Andy Mckee songs use this tuning?
"rylynn" — all in ECDGAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Andy Mckee
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Andy Mckee:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)
Once tuned to ECDGAD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (C#G#D#G#A#D#)Intermediate
C#G#D#G#A#D#No Capo