Roman Candle
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - D
Tune to Double Drop D TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Double Drop D Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “Roman Candle”:
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Roman Candle" by Elliott Smith is played in Double Drop D Tuning (D - A - D - G - B - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Elliott Smith uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Double Drop D Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - B - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of B.Custom Tuning (EADGBD)11 songs
EADGBDOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Elliott Smith’s Guitar Tunings
Elliott Smith plays 2 of 11 songs in our catalog in Double Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Double Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - D2 songs
Gear for Double Drop D Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Roman Candle" in Double Drop D 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Roman Candle” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Roman Candle" by Elliott Smith in?
"Roman Candle" is played in Double Drop D Tuning: D - A - D - G - B - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Roman Candle"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Double Drop D Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Elliott Smith songs use this tuning?
"Satellite" — all in D - A - D - G - B - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Elliott Smith
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Elliott Smith:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
Other Songs in Double Drop D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - B - D, try playing these tracks next: