Tell Me Why

Required String Notes:D - G - C - F - A - D

How to Tune from Standard to D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Tell Me Why”:

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	C3	Tune down a whole step
String 3	G3	F3	Tune down a whole step
String 2	B3	A3	Tune down a whole step
String 1	E4	D4	Tune down a whole step

Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"Tell Me Why" by Neil Young is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down (D - G - C - F - A - D). 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 G, string 4 down to C, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Neil Young 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 D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Already tuned to D - G - C - F - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

Standard E241 songs

E - A - D - G - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Drop C Tuning130 songs

C - G - C - F - A - DOnly string 6 differs: C instead of D.

Half-Step Down / Eb Standard109 songs

Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

C# Standard Tuning52 songs

C# - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Neil Young’s Guitar Tunings

Neil Young plays 2 of 11 songs in our catalog in D Standard / Whole-Step Down. Most-used tunings:

Double Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - D2 songs
D Standard / Whole-Step DownD - G - C - F - A - D2 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCFAC)CGCFAC2 songs
Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E1 song
Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D1 song

Gear for D Standard / Whole-Step Down

Strings and tools that make playing "Tell Me Why" in D Standard / Whole-Step Down easier.

Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)

Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Tell Me Why” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Tell Me Why" by Neil Young in?

"Tell Me Why" is played in D Standard / Whole-Step Down: D - G - C - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Tell Me Why"?

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 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4).