Shake Sugaree
Required String Notes:D - G - C - F - A - D
Tune to D Standard / Whole-Step DownHow to Tune from Standard to D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Shake Sugaree”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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
"Shake Sugaree" by Elizabeth Cotten is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down (D - G - C - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 85 other songs in our catalog use D Standard / Whole-Step Down.
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Tunings Close to D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Already tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Drop C Tuning130 songs
C - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: C instead of D.Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs
Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.C# Standard Tuning52 songs
C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Gear for D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Strings and tools that make playing "Shake Sugaree" in D Standard / Whole-Step Down 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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Shake Sugaree” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Shake Sugaree" by Elizabeth Cotten in?
"Shake Sugaree" is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down: D - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Shake Sugaree"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).
What string gauge should I use for D Standard / Whole-Step Down?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Other Songs in D Standard / Whole-Step Down
Once tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next:
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo
D Standard / Whole-Step DownIntermediate
D - G - C - F - A - DNo Capo