Ghost in the Music

Required String Notes:D - G - D - G - A - D

How to Tune from Standard to DGDGAD Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Ghost in the Music”:

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	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

"Ghost in the Music" by Nanci Griffith is played in DGDGAD Tuning (D - G - D - G - A - 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. 8 other songs in our catalog use DGDGAD Tuning.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to DGDGAD Tuning

Already tuned to D - G - D - G - A - 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.

DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs

D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.

Open G Minor11 songs

D - G - D - G - Bb - DOnly string 2 differs: A# instead of A.

Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)8 songs

DGDF#ADOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.

Nanci Griffith’s Guitar Tunings

Nanci Griffith plays 1 of 3 songs in our catalog in DGDGAD Tuning. Most-used tunings:

DGDGAD TuningD - G - D - G - A - D1 song
Custom Tuning (CEGABE)CEGABE1 song
Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E1 song

Gear for DGDGAD Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Ghost in the Music" in DGDGAD Tuning 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.

View strings

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“Ghost in the Music” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Ghost in the Music" by Nanci Griffith in?

"Ghost in the Music" is played in DGDGAD Tuning: D - G - D - G - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Ghost in the Music"?

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 whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.