helplessness blues
Required String Notes:DADF#BD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADF#BD).
Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
F#185
B247
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “helplessness blues”:
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"helplessness blues" by The Fleet Foxes is played in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD) (DADF#BD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to F#, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. The Fleet Foxes 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 (DADF#BD)
Already tuned to DADF#BD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of B.Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs
DADF#BEOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Double Drop D Tuning14 songs
D - A - D - G - B - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.Custom Tuning (DADEBD)4 songs
DADEBDOnly string 3 differs: E instead of F#.The Fleet Foxes’s Guitar Tunings
The Fleet Foxes plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)DADF#BD2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)
Strings and tools that make playing "helplessness blues" in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“helplessness blues” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "helplessness blues" by The Fleet Foxes in?
"helplessness blues" is played in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD): DADF#BD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "helplessness blues"?
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 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other The Fleet Foxes songs use this tuning?
"Grown Ocean" — all in DADF#BD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by The Fleet Foxes
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by The Fleet Foxes:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)
Once tuned to DADF#BD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)Intermediate
C#G#C#FG#C#No Capo