Only Boy Awake
byMeadows
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - A - D
Tune to DADGAD Celtic TuningHow to Tune from Standard to DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Only Boy Awake”:
| 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 | 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: .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
"Only Boy Awake" by Meadows is played in DADGAD Celtic Tuning (D - A - D - G - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 43 other songs in our catalog use DADGAD Celtic Tuning.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs
D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 3 differs: D instead of G.DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DOnly string 3 differs: E instead of G.Gear for DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Only Boy Awake" in DADGAD Celtic Tuning 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Only Boy Awake” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Only Boy Awake" by Meadows in?
"Only Boy Awake" is played in DADGAD Celtic Tuning: D - A - D - G - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Only Boy Awake"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). 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 DADGAD Celtic Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D, try playing these tracks next:
DADGAD Celtic TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - A - DNo Capo