Sovay
Required String Notes:DADC#AC#
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADC#AC#).
Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
C#277
A440
C#554
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Sovay”:
| 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 | C#4 | Tune up 6 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A4 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | C#5 | Tune up 9 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Sovay" by Martin Carthy is played in Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#) (DADC#AC#). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 up to C#, string 2 up to A, string 1 up to C#. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#).
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Martin Carthy’s Guitar Tunings
Martin Carthy plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)DADC#AC#1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)
Strings and tools that make playing "Sovay" in Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#) easier.
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009–.042)
Recommended gauge .009–.042. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Sovay” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Sovay" by Martin Carthy in?
"Sovay" is played in Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#): DADC#AC#, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Sovay"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune up 6 semitones (G3 → C#4). String 2: tune up 10 semitones (B3 → A4). String 1: tune up 9 semitones (E4 → C#5). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)?
Use a .009–.042 set. Some strings are tuned well above standard, so lighter strings keep tension and neck stress in check.
More Songs by Martin Carthy
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Martin Carthy:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADC#AC#)
Once tuned to DADC#AC#, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (F#A#C#F#A#F#)Intermediate
F#A#C#F#A#F#No Capo