How to Tune to DAEG#AE (Hide and Seek)
DAEG#AE is the crunchy, evocative tuning Antoine Dufour uses for his fingerstyle arrangement of 'Hide and Seek'. The minor-second rub between the G# and A strings shines through its ringing voicings, giving a modern, harp-like acoustic sound.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings:
| 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 | E3 | Tune up a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G#3 | Tune up a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:The low E drops to D, the D up to E, the G up to G#, the B down to A and the high E stays E. The raised inner strings add tension, so ease them up gradually with the tuner.
Gear for DAEG#AE (Hide and Seek)
Tools that make tuning to D - A - E - G# - A - E easier.
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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DAEG#AE (Hide and Seek)Advanced
D - A - E - G# - A - ENo Capo
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tune to DAEG#AE?
From standard tuning (EADGBE), retune each string low to high: 6th E→D, 5th A (unchanged), 4th D→E, 3rd G→G#, 2nd B→A, 1st E (unchanged). Match each string to its exact Hz using the interactive tuner above.
What song uses DAEG#AE?
Antoine Dufour's acoustic fingerstyle arrangement of 'Hide and Seek' uses it; the close G#-to-A interval gives the arrangement its shimmering, slightly dissonant sparkle.