Michael From Mountains
Required String Notes:FFCGAC
Tune to Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)Tune to Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (FFCGAC).
Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)
±0
F
Target: 87.3 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
F87
F87
C131
G196
A220
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Michael From Mountains”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | F2 | Tune up a half step |
| String 5 | A2 | F2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | C3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | C4 | Tune down 4 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Michael From Mountains" by Joni Mitchell is played in Custom Tuning (FFCGAC) (FFCGAC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 up to F, string 5 down to F, string 4 down to C, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Joni Mitchell uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)
Already tuned to FFCGAC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Joni Mitchell’s Guitar Tunings
Joni Mitchell plays 3 of 31 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (FFCGAC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)CGDFCE5 songs
- Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)FFCGAC3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DAEGCE)DAEGCE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Michael From Mountains" in Custom Tuning (FFCGAC) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
“Michael From Mountains” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Michael From Mountains" by Joni Mitchell in?
"Michael From Mountains" is played in Custom Tuning (FFCGAC): FFCGAC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Michael From Mountains"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune up a half step (E2 → F2). String 5: tune down 4 semitones (A2 → F2). String 4: tune down a whole step (D3 → C3). 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 (FFCGAC)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Joni Mitchell songs use this tuning?
"Go Tell the Drummer Man", "I Dont Know Where I Stand" — all in FFCGAC, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Joni Mitchell
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Joni Mitchell:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)
Once tuned to FFCGAC, try playing these tracks next: