These Colours Don't Run
Required String Notes:A - E - A - D - F# - B
Tune to Drop AHow to Tune from Standard to Drop A
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “These Colours Don't Run”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | E2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | F#3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | B3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"These Colours Don't Run" by Architects is played in Drop A (A - E - A - D - F# - B). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to E, string 4 down to A, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to F#, string 1 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 7 semitones down. 7 other songs in our catalog use Drop A.
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Tunings Close to Drop A
Already tuned to A - E - A - D - F# - B? These tunings are just one small change away.
B Standard / Baritone75 songs
B - E - A - D - F# - BOnly string 6 differs: B instead of A.Drop B Tuning39 songs
B - F# - B - E - G# - C#Same chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.Drop Bb / Drop A#24 songs
Bb - F - Bb - Eb - G - CSame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#)19 songs
G#D#G#C#FA#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Architects’s Guitar Tunings
Architects plays 1 of 6 songs in our catalog in Drop A. Most-used tunings:
- Drop A TuningA - E - A - D - F# - B1 song
Gear for Drop A
Strings and tools that make playing "These Colours Don't Run" in Drop A easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“These Colours Don't Run” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "These Colours Don't Run" by Architects in?
"These Colours Don't Run" is played in Drop A: A - E - A - D - F# - B, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "These Colours Don't Run"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 5 semitones (A2 → E2). String 4: tune down 5 semitones (D3 → A2). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). String 2: tune down 5 semitones (B3 → F#3). String 1: tune down 5 semitones (E4 → B3).
What string gauge should I use for Drop A?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
More Songs by Architects
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Architects:
Other Songs in Drop A
Once tuned to A - E - A - D - F# - B, try playing these tracks next: