From the Prison
Required String Notes:DADFAC
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADFAC)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADFAC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADFAC).
Custom Tuning (DADFAC)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
F175
A220
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADFAC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “From the Prison”:
| 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 | F3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
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
"From the Prison" by Richie Havens is played in Custom Tuning (DADFAC) (DADFAC). 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 F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to C. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 4 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DADFAC).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADFAC)
Already tuned to DADFAC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs
D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 1 differs: D instead of C.Custom Tuning (DADGAC)1 song
DADGACOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F.Custom Tuning (DADFAE)1 song
DADFAEOnly string 1 differs: E instead of C.Custom Tuning (C#G#C#EG#B)1 song
C#G#C#EG#BSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.Richie Havens’s Guitar Tunings
Richie Havens plays 1 of 2 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADFAC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADFAC)DADFAC1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADFAC)
Strings and tools that make playing "From the Prison" in Custom Tuning (DADFAC) 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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“From the Prison” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "From the Prison" by Richie Havens in?
"From the Prison" is played in Custom Tuning (DADFAC): DADFAC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "From the Prison"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADFAC)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Richie Havens
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Richie Havens:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADFAC)
Once tuned to DADFAC, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (C#F#C#F#BE)Intermediate
C#F#C#F#BENo Capo