How to Tune from Standard to D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Ill Sleep When Im Older”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2G2Tune down a whole step
String 4D3C3Tune down a whole step
String 3G3F3Tune down a whole step
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Ill Sleep When Im Older" by Bruno Major is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down (D - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 85 other songs in our catalog use D Standard / Whole-Step Down.

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Tunings Close to D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Already tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

Gear for D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Strings and tools that make playing "Ill Sleep When Im Older" in D Standard / Whole-Step Down easier.

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)

Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

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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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“Ill Sleep When Im Older” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Ill Sleep When Im Older" by Bruno Major in?

"Ill Sleep When Im Older" is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down: D - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Ill Sleep When Im Older"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).

What string gauge should I use for D Standard / Whole-Step Down?

Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

Other Songs in D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Once tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next:

D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo