How to Tune from Standard to Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “shibuya”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3F#3Tune down a half step
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4E4Leave as is
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

"shibuya" by Covet is played in Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE) (D - A - D - F# - A - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 12 other songs in our catalog use Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE).

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Tunings Close to Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)

Already tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Covet’s Guitar Tunings

Covet plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE). Most-used tunings:

Gear for Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)

Strings and tools that make playing "shibuya" in Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE) 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.

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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.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“shibuya” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "shibuya" by Covet in?

"shibuya" is played in Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE): D - A - D - F# - A - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "shibuya"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

More Songs by Covet

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Covet:

View all 6 songs
Custom Tuning (FACGAE)Intermediate
FACGAENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Custom Tuning (DAC#F#AE)Intermediate
DAC#F#AENo Capo
Never Meant / Midwest EmoIntermediate
F - A - C - G - C - ENo Capo

Other Songs in Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)

Once tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - E, try playing these tracks next:

Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo
Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)Intermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - ENo Capo