sister soul
Required String Notes:ABEF#AD
Tune to Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)Tune to Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (ABEF#AD).
Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
B62
E82
F#92
A110
D147
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “sister soul”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | B1 | Tune down 10 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | E2 | Tune down 10 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | F#2 | Tune down 13 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A2 | Tune down 14 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D3 | Tune down 14 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"sister soul" by Michael Hedges is played in Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD) (ABEF#AD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to B, string 4 down to E, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 14 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD).
Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar
Michael Hedges’s Guitar Tunings
Michael Hedges plays 1 of 16 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DADEAB)DADEAB3 songs
- Custom Tuning (DADGCC)DADGCC2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)
Strings and tools that make playing "sister soul" in Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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 6 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.
“sister soul” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "sister soul" by Michael Hedges in?
"sister soul" is played in Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD): ABEF#AD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "sister soul"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 10 semitones (A2 → B1). String 4: tune down 10 semitones (D3 → E2). String 3: tune down 13 semitones (G3 → F#2). String 2: tune down 14 semitones (B3 → A2). String 1: tune down 14 semitones (E4 → D3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
More Songs by Michael Hedges
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Michael Hedges:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (ABEF#AD)
Once tuned to ABEF#AD, try playing these tracks next: