Goat Island
Required String Notes:DAEGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DAEGBE).
Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
E165
G196
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Goat Island”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Goat Island" by John Renbourn is played in Custom Tuning (DAEGBE) (DAEGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 up to E. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DAEGBE).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)
Already tuned to DAEGBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 4 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EAEGBE)8 songs
EAEGBEOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Custom Tuning (DAEABE)4 songs
DAEABEOnly string 3 differs: A instead of G.Custom Tuning (DAEGCE)2 songs
DAEGCEOnly string 2 differs: C instead of B.John Renbourn’s Guitar Tunings
John Renbourn plays 1 of 13 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DAEGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)DAEGBE1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Goat Island" in Custom Tuning (DAEGBE) 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.
“Goat Island” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Goat Island" by John Renbourn in?
"Goat Island" is played in Custom Tuning (DAEGBE): DAEGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Goat Island"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune up a whole step (D3 → E3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by John Renbourn
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Renbourn:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DAEGBE)
Once tuned to DAEGBE, try playing these tracks next: