Word Game
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 “Word Game”:
| 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
"Word Game" by Stephen Stills 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. Stephen Stills 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 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.Stephen Stills’s Guitar Tunings
Stephen Stills plays 4 of 4 songs in our catalog in DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal). Most-used tunings:
- DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)D - A - D - D - A - D4 songs
Gear for DADDAD (Bruce Palmer Modal)
Strings and tools that make playing "Word Game" 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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“Word Game” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Word Game" by Stephen Stills in?
"Word Game" 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 "Word Game"?
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.
Which other Stephen Stills songs use this tuning?
"4 + 20", "Four and Twenty", "Judy Blue Eyes" — all in D - A - D - D - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Stephen Stills
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Stephen Stills:
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