Dance of Death
Required String Notes:DGDGA#D
Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DGDGA#D).
Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
D147
G196
A#233
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Dance of Death”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A#3 | Tune down a half 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
"Dance of Death" by John Fahey is played in Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D) (DGDGA#D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)
Already tuned to DGDGA#D? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open G Tuning59 songs
D - G - D - G - B - DOnly string 2 differs: B instead of A#.DGDGAD Tuning9 songs
D - G - D - G - A - DOnly string 2 differs: A instead of A#.Custom Tuning (DGDGCD)4 songs
DGDGCDOnly string 2 differs: C instead of A#.Custom Tuning (D#GDGA#D)3 songs
D#GDGA#DOnly string 6 differs: D# instead of D.John Fahey’s Guitar Tunings
John Fahey plays 1 of 18 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D). Most-used tunings:
- Open G MinorD - G - D - G - Bb - D1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)
Strings and tools that make playing "Dance of Death" in Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D) 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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“Dance of Death” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Dance of Death" by John Fahey in?
"Dance of Death" is played in Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D): DGDGA#D, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Dance of Death"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). 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 (DGDGA#D)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by John Fahey
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by John Fahey:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DGDGA#D)
Once tuned to DGDGA#D, try playing these tracks next: