How to Tune from Standard to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Song of Ben and C”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3D3Tune down 5 semitones
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune 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

"Song of Ben and C" by Marco Sfogli is played in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal) (D - A - D - D - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. 16 other songs in our catalog use DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal).

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Tunings Close to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)

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

Gear for DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)

Strings and tools that make playing "Song of Ben and C" in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“Song of Ben and C” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Song of Ben and C" by Marco Sfogli in?

"Song of Ben and C" is played in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal): D - A - D - D - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Song of Ben and C"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). 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 DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)?

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

Other Songs in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)

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

DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo