Laughing
Required String Notes:DGDDAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DGDDAD).
Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
D147
D147
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Laughing”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| 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
"Laughing" by David Crosby is played in Custom Tuning (DGDDAD) (DGDDAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DGDDAD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)
Already tuned to DGDDAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs
D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.DGDGAD Tuning9 songs
D - G - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of D.Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)8 songs
DGDF#ADOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of D.Custom Tuning (EAEEBE)2 songs
EAEEBESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.David Crosby’s Guitar Tunings
David Crosby plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DGDDAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)EBDGAD4 songs
- Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)DGDDAD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Laughing" in Custom Tuning (DGDDAD) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Laughing” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Laughing" by David Crosby in?
"Laughing" is played in Custom Tuning (DGDDAD): DGDDAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Laughing"?
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 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). 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 Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by David Crosby
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by David Crosby:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)
Once tuned to DGDDAD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (D#G#C#F#BEG#C#)Intermediate
D#G#C#F#BEG#C#No Capo