Stephen Stills
Required String Notes:DDDDAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DDDDAD).
Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
D73
D73
D73
A110
D147
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Stephen Stills”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | D2 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D2 | Tune down 17 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A2 | Tune down 14 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D3 | Tune down 14 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Stephen Stills" by Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is played in Custom Tuning (DDDDAD) (DDDDAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to D, string 4 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 17 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DDDDAD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)
Already tuned to DDDDAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Gear for Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Stephen Stills" in Custom Tuning (DDDDAD) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Stephen Stills” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Stephen Stills" by Suite: Judy Blue Eyes in?
"Stephen Stills" is played in Custom Tuning (DDDDAD): DDDDAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Stephen Stills"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down 7 semitones (A2 → D2). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 17 semitones (G3 → D2). String 2: tune down 14 semitones (B3 → A2). String 1: tune down 14 semitones (E4 → D3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DDDDAD)
Once tuned to DDDDAD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (FA#D#G#C#F#A#D#)Intermediate
FA#D#G#C#F#A#D#No Capo