ghosts of perdition

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

How to Tune from Standard to Drop D Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “ghosts of perdition”:

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	G3	Leave as is
String 2	B3	B3	Leave as is
String 1	E4	E4	Leave as is

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

"ghosts of perdition" by Opeth is played in Drop D Tuning (D - A - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. Opeth uses this same tuning on 7 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

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Tunings Close to Drop D Tuning

Already tuned to D - A - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.

Standard E241 songs

E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of D.

Drop C Tuning130 songs

C - G - C - F - A - DSame chord shapes, every string a whole step lower.

Drop Db / Drop C#82 songs

Db - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbSame chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Custom Tuning (DADF#BE)20 songs

DADF#BEOnly string 3 differs: F# instead of G.

Opeth’s Guitar Tunings

Opeth plays 8 of 15 songs in our catalog in Drop D Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Drop D TuningD - A - D - G - B - E8 songs
Open D Minor / CrossnoteD - A - D - F - A - D3 songs
Standard EE - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Custom Tuning (DADFAE)DADFAE1 song
AADGBE TuningA - A - D - G - B - E1 song

Gear for Drop D Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "ghosts of perdition" in Drop D 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.

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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.

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“ghosts of perdition” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "ghosts of perdition" by Opeth in?

"ghosts of perdition" is played in Drop D Tuning: D - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "ghosts of perdition"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Drop D Tuning?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

Which other Opeth songs use this tuning?

"Black Rose Immortal", "Blackwater Park", "Demon Of The Fall", "Eternal Rains Will Come", "Next Of Kin", "Porcelain Heart" and 1 more — all in D - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.