Never Grow Old
Required String Notes:BGDGAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BGDGAD).
Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
G98
D147
G196
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Never Grow Old”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune 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
"Never Grow Old" by Andy Mckee is played in Custom Tuning (BGDGAD) (BGDGAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to G, 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 (BGDGAD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)
Already tuned to BGDGAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Andy Mckee’s Guitar Tunings
Andy Mckee plays 1 of 7 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BGDGAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (ECDGAD)ECDGAD2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Never Grow Old" in Custom Tuning (BGDGAD) 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.
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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“Never Grow Old” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Never Grow Old" by Andy Mckee in?
"Never Grow Old" is played in Custom Tuning (BGDGAD): BGDGAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Never Grow Old"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). 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 (BGDGAD)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Andy Mckee
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Andy Mckee:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BGDGAD)
Once tuned to BGDGAD, try playing these tracks next: