Time of No Reply
Required String Notes:BEBEBE
Tune to Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)Tune to Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (BEBEBE).
Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)
±0
B
Target: 61.7 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
B62
E82
B123
E165
B247
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Time of No Reply”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | B1 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | E2 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Time of No Reply" by Nick Drake is played in Custom Tuning (BEBEBE) (BEBEBE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to B, string 5 down to E, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Nick Drake uses this same tuning on 4 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)
Already tuned to BEBEBE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Nick Drake’s Guitar Tunings
Nick Drake plays 6 of 52 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (BEBEBE). Most-used tunings:
- Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E17 songs
- BEBEBEB - E - B - E - B - E6 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Time of No Reply" in Custom Tuning (BEBEBE) easier.
Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky (.012–.056)
Recommended gauge .012–.056. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
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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“Time of No Reply” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Time of No Reply" by Nick Drake in?
"Time of No Reply" is played in Custom Tuning (BEBEBE): BEBEBE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Time of No Reply"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 5 semitones (E2 → B1). String 5: tune down 5 semitones (A2 → E2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (BEBEBE)?
Use a .012–.056 set. The low strings sit several semitones below standard, so a heavier set restores tension and tuning stability.
Which other Nick Drake songs use this tuning?
"Fly", "Harvest Breed", "Man In A Shed", "Northern Sky" — all in BEBEBE, 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 (BEBEBE)
Once tuned to BEBEBE, try playing these tracks next: