The Chain

Required String Notes:D - A - D - G - B - D

How to Tune from Standard to Double Drop D Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 2 of 6 strings to play “The Chain”:

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	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

"The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac is played in Double Drop D Tuning (D - A - D - G - B - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 2 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 13 other songs in our catalog use Double Drop D Tuning.

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Tunings Close to Double Drop D Tuning

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

Drop D Tuning130 songs

D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 1 differs: E instead of D.

Open G Tuning59 songs

D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 5 differs: G instead of A.

DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs

D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of B.

Custom Tuning (EADGBD)11 songs

EADGBDOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.

Fleetwood Mac’s Guitar Tunings

Fleetwood Mac plays 1 of 4 songs in our catalog in Double Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Drop Db / Drop C#Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - Eb1 song
Custom Tuning (G#C#F#BD#G#)G#C#F#BD#G#1 song
Custom Tuning (GCFA#DG)GCFA#DG1 song
Double Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - D1 song

Gear for Double Drop D Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "The Chain" in Double 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.

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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.

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“The Chain” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac in?

"The Chain" is played in Double Drop D Tuning: D - A - D - G - B - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "The Chain"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.