Held Down
Required String Notes:DADF#AC#
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADF#AC#).
Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
F#185
A220
C#277
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Held Down”:
| 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 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | C#4 | Tune down 3 semitones |
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
"Held Down" by Laura Marling is played in Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#) (DADF#AC#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to C#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)
Already tuned to DADF#AC#? These tunings are just one small change away.
Laura Marling’s Guitar Tunings
Laura Marling plays 1 of 12 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)DADF#AC#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Held Down" in Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#) 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.
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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“Held Down” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Held Down" by Laura Marling in?
"Held Down" is played in Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#): DADF#AC#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Held Down"?
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 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 3 semitones (E4 → C#4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Laura Marling
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Laura Marling:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADF#AC#)
Once tuned to DADF#AC#, try playing these tracks next: