Rickovers Dream
Required String Notes:CGDGBC
Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)Tune to Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (CGDGBC).
Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)
±0
C
Target: 65.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
C65
G98
D147
G196
B247
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Rickovers Dream”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | C2 | Tune down 4 semitones |
| 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 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Rickovers Dream" by Michael Hedges is played in Custom Tuning (CGDGBC) (CGDGBC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to C, string 5 down to G, 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 (CGDGBC).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)
Already tuned to CGDGBC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Michael Hedges’s Guitar Tunings
Michael Hedges plays 1 of 16 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (CGDGBC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADEAB)DADEAB3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DADGCC)DADGCC2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Rickovers Dream" in Custom Tuning (CGDGBC) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Rickovers Dream” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Rickovers Dream" by Michael Hedges in?
"Rickovers Dream" is played in Custom Tuning (CGDGBC): CGDGBC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Rickovers Dream"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 4 semitones (E2 → C2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
More Songs by Michael Hedges
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Michael Hedges:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (CGDGBC)
Once tuned to CGDGBC, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (C#G#D#G#CD#)Intermediate
C#G#D#G#CD#No Capo