Tracks in the Dust
Required String Notes:EBDGAD
Tune to Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)Tune to Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (EBDGAD).
Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)
±0
E
Target: 82.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
E82
B123
D147
G196
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Tracks in the Dust”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | E2 | Leave as is |
| String 5 | A2 | B2 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| 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
"Tracks in the Dust" by David Crosby is played in Custom Tuning (EBDGAD) (EBDGAD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 5 up to B, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. David Crosby uses this same tuning on 3 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)
Already tuned to EBDGAD? These tunings are just one small change away.
David Crosby’s Guitar Tunings
David Crosby plays 4 of 6 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (EBDGAD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)EBDGAD4 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Tracks in the Dust" in Custom Tuning (EBDGAD) 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.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Tracks in the Dust” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Tracks in the Dust" by David Crosby in?
"Tracks in the Dust" is played in Custom Tuning (EBDGAD): EBDGAD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Tracks in the Dust"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 5: tune up a whole step (A2 → B2). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other David Crosby songs use this tuning?
"Deja Vu", "Guinnevere", "Song with No Words" — all in EBDGAD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by David Crosby
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by David Crosby:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (EBDGAD)
Once tuned to EBDGAD, try playing these tracks next: