Spencer the Rover
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - A - D
Tune to DADGAD Celtic TuningHow to Tune from Standard to DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Spencer the Rover”:
| 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 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune 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
"Spencer the Rover" by John Martyn is played in DADGAD Celtic Tuning (D - A - D - G - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. John Martyn uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of G.DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)17 songs
D - A - D - D - A - DOnly string 3 differs: D instead of G.DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DOnly string 3 differs: E instead of G.John Martyn’s Guitar Tunings
John Martyn plays 2 of 7 songs in our catalog in DADGAD Celtic Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- DADGAD Celtic TuningD - A - D - G - A - D2 songs
Gear for DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Spencer the Rover" in DADGAD Celtic Tuning 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.
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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Spencer the Rover” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Spencer the Rover" by John Martyn in?
"Spencer the Rover" is played in DADGAD Celtic Tuning: D - A - D - G - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Spencer the Rover"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). 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 DADGAD Celtic Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other John Martyn songs use this tuning?
"Bless The Weather" — all in D - A - D - G - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by John Martyn
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Martyn:
Other Songs in DADGAD Celtic Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - A - D, try playing these tracks next: