St Louis Blues
Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - E
Tune to Drop D TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Drop D Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “St Louis Blues”:
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave 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
"St Louis Blues" by John Fahey is played in Drop D Tuning (D - A - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. John Fahey uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Drop D Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.Drop C Tuning130 songs
C - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs
Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs
DADF#BEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.John Fahey’s Guitar Tunings
John Fahey plays 2 of 18 songs in our catalog in Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Gear for Drop D Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "St Louis Blues" in Drop D 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.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“St Louis Blues” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "St Louis Blues" by John Fahey in?
"St Louis Blues" is played in Drop D Tuning: D - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "St Louis Blues"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Drop D Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other John Fahey songs use this tuning?
"Mark 1:15" — all in D - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by John Fahey
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Fahey:
Other Songs in Drop D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo