The Thoughts of Mary Jane
Required String Notes:E - A - D - F# - B - E
Tune to Lute / Renaissance TuningHow to Tune from Standard to Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “The Thoughts of Mary Jane”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
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 Thoughts of Mary Jane" by Nick Drake is played in Lute / Renaissance Tuning (E - A - D - F# - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 3 down to F#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 1 semitone down. Nick Drake uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Already tuned to E - A - D - F# - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs
DADF#BEOnly string 6 differs: D instead of E.Custom Tuning (EADEBE)6 songs
EADEBEOnly string 3 differs: E instead of F#.Custom Tuning (EAC#F#BE)4 songs
EAC#F#BEOnly string 4 differs: C# instead of D.Nick Drake’s Guitar Tunings
Nick Drake plays 3 of 52 songs in our catalog in Lute / Renaissance Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E17 songs
- BEBEBEB - E - B - E - B - E6 songs
- Lute / Renaissance TuningE - A - D - F# - B - E3 songs
Gear for Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" in Lute / Renaissance 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.
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“The Thoughts of Mary Jane” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" by Nick Drake in?
"The Thoughts of Mary Jane" is played in Lute / Renaissance Tuning: E - A - D - F# - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "The Thoughts of Mary Jane"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Lute / Renaissance Tuning?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Nick Drake songs use this tuning?
"Cello Song", "Thoughts of Mary Jane" — all in E - A - D - F# - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Nick Drake
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Nick Drake:
Other Songs in Lute / Renaissance Tuning
Once tuned to E - A - D - F# - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo
Lute / Renaissance TuningIntermediate
E - A - D - F# - B - ENo Capo