From the Morning
Required String Notes:B - E - B - E - B - E
Tune to BEBEBEHow to Tune from Standard to BEBEBE
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “From the Morning”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | E2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
The closing track of Pink Moon (1972), recorded in the BEBEBE tuning with a capo at the 1st fret (yielding a Csus4 voicing). The open strings ring a suspended drone under Drake's fingerpicked melody - the open low string is audible when he lifts his fingers.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open Bsus4 drone (0-0-0-0-0-0)Melody over sustained open B/E stringsCapo 1 = Csus4 voicing
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to BEBEBE
Already tuned to B - E - B - E - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Nick Drake’s Guitar Tunings
Nick Drake plays 6 of 52 songs in our catalog in BEBEBE. Most-used tunings:
- Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E17 songs
- BEBEBEB - E - B - E - B - E6 songs
Gear for BEBEBE
Strings and tools that make playing "From the Morning" in BEBEBE easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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.
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“From the Morning” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "From the Morning" by Nick Drake in?
"From the Morning" is played in BEBEBE: B - E - B - E - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "From the Morning"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 5 semitones (A2 → E2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for BEBEBE?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
More Songs by Nick Drake
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Nick Drake: