Scenes
Required String Notes:DADEAB
Tune to Custom Tuning (DADEAB)Tune to Custom Tuning (DADEAB)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DADEAB).
Custom Tuning (DADEAB)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
E165
A220
B247
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DADEAB)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Scenes”:
| 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 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | B3 | Tune down 5 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
"Scenes" by Michael Hedges is played in Custom Tuning (DADEAB) (DADEAB). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to B. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 5 semitones down. Michael Hedges uses this same tuning on 2 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DADEAB)
Already tuned to DADEAB? These tunings are just one small change away.
Michael Hedges’s Guitar Tunings
Michael Hedges plays 3 of 16 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DADEAB). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADEAB)DADEAB3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DADGCC)DADGCC2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DADEAB)
Strings and tools that make playing "Scenes" in Custom Tuning (DADEAB) 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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Scenes” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Scenes" by Michael Hedges in?
"Scenes" is played in Custom Tuning (DADEAB): DADEAB, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Scenes"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down 5 semitones (E4 → B3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DADEAB)?
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?
"Jealous Tunnel", "Naked Stalk" — all in DADEAB, 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 (DADEAB)
Once tuned to DADEAB, try playing these tracks next: