Whipping Boy
Required String Notes:D - A - D - D - A - D
Tune to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)How to Tune from Standard to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Whipping Boy”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | D3 | Tune down 5 semitones |
| 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
"Whipping Boy" by Ben Harper is played in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal) (D - A - D - D - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to D, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. 16 other songs in our catalog use DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal).
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Tunings Close to DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Already tuned to D - A - D - D - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of D.DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs
D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of D.Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of D.DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DOnly string 3 differs: E instead of D.Gear for DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Strings and tools that make playing "Whipping Boy" in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Whipping Boy” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Whipping Boy" by Ben Harper in?
"Whipping Boy" is played in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal): D - A - D - D - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Whipping Boy"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down 5 semitones (G3 → D3). 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 DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Other Songs in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Once tuned to D - A - D - D - A - D, try playing these tracks next:
DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)Intermediate
D - A - D - D - A - DNo Capo