Ritual Dance
Required String Notes:DADGCC
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADGCC)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADGCC)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADGCC).
Custom Tuning (DADGCC)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
G196
C262
C262
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADGCC)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 3 of 6 strings to play “Ritual Dance”:
| 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 | C4 | Tune up a half 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
"Ritual Dance" by Michael Hedges is played in Custom Tuning (DADGCC) (DADGCC). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 3 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 2 up to C, string 1 down to C. Some strings go down and others go up, so the tension shifts across the neck. Michael Hedges uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADGCC)
Already tuned to DADGCC? These tunings are just one small change away.
Michael Hedges’s Guitar Tunings
Michael Hedges plays 2 of 16 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADGCC). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADEAB)DADEAB3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DADGCC)DADGCC2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADGCC)
Strings and tools that make playing "Ritual Dance" in Custom Tuning (DADGCC) 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 3 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Ritual Dance” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Ritual Dance" by Michael Hedges in?
"Ritual Dance" is played in Custom Tuning (DADGCC): DADGCC, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Ritual Dance"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 2: tune up a half step (B3 → C4). String 1: tune down 4 semitones (E4 → C4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADGCC)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
Which other Michael Hedges songs use this tuning?
"Rootwich" — all in DADGCC, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Michael Hedges
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Michael Hedges:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DADGCC)
Once tuned to DADGCC, try playing these tracks next:
Custom Tuning (C#G#D#G#CD#)Intermediate
C#G#D#G#CD#No Capo