Lilydale
Required String Notes:EADABE
Tune to Custom Tuning (EADABE)Tune to Custom Tuning (EADABE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EADABE).
Custom Tuning (EADABE)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
A110
D147
A220
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EADABE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Lilydale”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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
"Lilydale" by 10,000 Maniacs is played in Custom Tuning (EADABE) (EADABE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 3 up to A. Overall string tension rises, so tune up slowly to avoid breaking strings. 10,000 Maniacs uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EADABE)
Already tuned to EADABE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 3 differs: G instead of A.Lute / Renaissance Tuning12 songs
E - A - D - F# - B - EOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of A.Custom Tuning (DADABE)12 songs
DADABEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EADEBE)6 songs
EADEBEOnly string 3 differs: E instead of A.10,000 Maniacs’s Guitar Tunings
10,000 Maniacs plays 3 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EADABE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EADABE)EADABE3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EADABE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Lilydale" in Custom Tuning (EADABE) 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.
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“Lilydale” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Lilydale" by 10,000 Maniacs in?
"Lilydale" is played in Custom Tuning (EADABE): EADABE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Lilydale"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 3: tune up a whole step (G3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EADABE)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other 10,000 Maniacs songs use this tuning?
"Cherry Tree", "Please Forgive Us" — all in EADABE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by 10,000 Maniacs
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by 10,000 Maniacs:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EADABE)
Once tuned to EADABE, try playing these tracks next: