The Cave
Required String Notes:D - A - D - F# - A - D
Tune to Open D TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Open D Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “The Cave”:
| 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 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| 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
Marcus Mumford uses Open D tuning combined with a capo on the 2nd fret to create resonant, driving acoustic strums and ringing open-string melodies.
Key Chord Voicings:
Open D (0-0-0-0-0-0)G/D (5-5-0-0-0-0)A/D (7-7-0-0-0-0)
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Open D Tuning
Already tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of F#.Open E Tuning20 songs
E - B - E - G# - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)20 songs
C#G#C#FG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Mumford & Sons’s Guitar Tunings
Mumford & Sons plays 1 of 3 songs in our catalog in Open D Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Open D TuningD - A - D - F# - A - D1 song
Gear for Open D Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "The Cave" in Open 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.
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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“The Cave” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Cave" by Mumford & Sons in?
"The Cave" is played in Open D Tuning: D - A - D - F# - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Cave"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). 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 Open D Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Mumford & Sons songs use this tuning?
"Awake My Soul", "Roll Away Your Stone" — all in D - A - D - F# - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Mumford & Sons
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Mumford & Sons:
Other Songs in Open D Tuning
Once tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - D, try playing these tracks next: