Oats in the water
Required String Notes:DADAAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADAAD).
Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
A220
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Oats in the water”:
| 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
"Oats in the water" by Ben Howard is played in Custom Tuning (DADAAD) (DADAAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 up to A, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Ben Howard uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Already tuned to DADAAD? 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.Ben Howard’s Guitar Tunings
Ben Howard plays 2 of 23 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADAAD). Most-used tunings:
- DADAADD - A - D - A - A - D2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Oats in the water" in Custom Tuning (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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“Oats in the water” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Oats in the water" by Ben Howard in?
"Oats in the water" is played in Custom Tuning (DADAAD): DADAAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Oats in the water"?
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 Custom Tuning (DADAAD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Ben Howard songs use this tuning?
"Burgh Island" — all in DADAAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Ben Howard
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Ben Howard:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADAAD)
Once tuned to DADAAD, try playing these tracks next: