Teardrops
Required String Notes:D - G - D - G - A - D
Tune to DGDGAD TuningHow to Tune from Standard to DGDGAD Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Teardrops”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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
"Teardrops" by Newton Faulkner is played in DGDGAD Tuning (D - G - D - G - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Newton Faulkner 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 DGDGAD Tuning
Already tuned to D - G - D - G - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.Open G Minor11 songs
D - G - D - G - Bb - DOnly string 2 differs: A# instead of A.Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)8 songs
DGDF#ADOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.Newton Faulkner’s Guitar Tunings
Newton Faulkner plays 2 of 7 songs in our catalog in DGDGAD Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- DGDGAD TuningD - G - D - G - A - D2 songs
Gear for DGDGAD Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Teardrops" in DGDGAD 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Teardrops” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Teardrops" by Newton Faulkner in?
"Teardrops" is played in DGDGAD Tuning: D - G - D - G - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Teardrops"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). 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 DGDGAD Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Newton Faulkner songs use this tuning?
"Been Thinking About It" — all in D - G - D - G - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Newton Faulkner
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Newton Faulkner:
Other Songs in DGDGAD Tuning
Once tuned to D - G - D - G - A - D, try playing these tracks next: