Conversation with a Ghost
Required String Notes:DADEBD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADEBD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADEBD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADEBD).
Custom Tuning (DADEBD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
E165
B247
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADEBD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Conversation with a Ghost”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Conversation with a Ghost" by Ellis Paul is played in Custom Tuning (DADEBD) (DADEBD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to E, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Ellis Paul uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADEBD)
Already tuned to DADEBD? These tunings are just one small change away.
DADEAD Tuning17 songs
D - A - D - E - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of B.Double Drop D Tuning14 songs
D - A - D - G - B - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of E.Custom Tuning (DADF#BD)9 songs
DADF#BDOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of E.Custom Tuning (DADABD)1 song
DADABDOnly string 3 differs: A instead of E.Ellis Paul’s Guitar Tunings
Ellis Paul plays 3 of 3 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADEBD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADEBD)DADEBD3 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADEBD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Conversation with a Ghost" in Custom Tuning (DADEBD) 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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“Conversation with a Ghost” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Conversation with a Ghost" by Ellis Paul in?
"Conversation with a Ghost" is played in Custom Tuning (DADEBD): DADEBD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Conversation with a Ghost"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). 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 (DADEBD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Ellis Paul songs use this tuning?
"Blizzard", "Look At The Wind Blow" — all in DADEBD, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Ellis Paul
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Ellis Paul:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADEBD)
Once tuned to DADEBD, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (DAEG#BE)Intermediate
DAEG#BENo Capo