Hope
byRush
Required String Notes:D - A - D - A - A - D
Tune to DADAADHow to Tune from Standard to DADAAD
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Hope”:
| 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 | A3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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
Alex Lifeson's solo acoustic instrumental from Snakes & Arrows (2007), written on a 12-string after he fell for the resonant D5 drone of the DADAAD tuning. Strumming open gives a stacked D5 power-chord drone, with movable one-finger shapes ringing up the neck.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open D5 drone (0-0-0-0-0-0)Movable one-finger barre shapes12-string shimmer over D/A drones
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to DADAAD
Already tuned to D - A - D - A - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of A.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of A.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of A.DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs
D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 3 differs: D instead of A.Rush’s Guitar Tunings
Rush plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in DADAAD. Most-used tunings:
- DADAADD - A - D - A - A - D2 songs
Gear for DADAAD
Strings and tools that make playing "Hope" in DADAAD 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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“Hope” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Hope" by Rush in?
"Hope" is played in DADAAD: D - A - D - A - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Hope"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). 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 DADAAD?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Rush
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Rush: