Three Hours
Required String Notes:BBDGBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BBDGBE).
Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
B62
D73
G98
B123
E165
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Three Hours”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | B1 | Tune down 10 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | D2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | G2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B2 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E3 | Tune down 12 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
"Three Hours" by Nick Drake is played in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE) (BBDGBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to B, string 4 down to D, string 3 down to G, string 2 down to B, string 1 down to E. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 12 semitones down. Nick Drake uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Nick Drake’s Guitar Tunings
Nick Drake plays 2 of 52 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE). Most-used tunings:
- Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E17 songs
- BEBEBEB - E - B - E - B - E6 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Three Hours" in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE) 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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“Three Hours” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Three Hours" by Nick Drake in?
"Three Hours" is played in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE): BBDGBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Three Hours"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 10 semitones (A2 → B1). String 4: tune down 12 semitones (D3 → D2). String 3: tune down 12 semitones (G3 → G2). String 2: tune down 12 semitones (B3 → B2). String 1: tune down 12 semitones (E4 → E3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
Which other Nick Drake songs use this tuning?
"Fruit Tree" — all in BBDGBE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Nick Drake
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Nick Drake:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (BBDGBE)
Once tuned to BBDGBE, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (BF#C#F#BD#)Intermediate
BF#C#F#BD#No Capo