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 “Snitch Jacket”:

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

"Snitch Jacket" by Two Inch Astronaut 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).

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

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.

Gear for Nick Drake Modal (DADF#AE)

Strings and tools that make playing "Snitch Jacket" 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

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

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Snitch Jacket” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Snitch Jacket" by Two Inch Astronaut in?

"Snitch Jacket" 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 "Snitch Jacket"?

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.

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