Velvet Ring
Required String Notes:DGDF#AD
Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)Tune to Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DGDF#AD).
Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
G98
D147
F#185
A220
D294
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 5 of 6 strings to play “Velvet Ring”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | G2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | F#3 | Tune down a half step |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | D4 | Tune down a whole step |
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
"Velvet Ring" by Big Thief is played in Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD) (DGDF#AD). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 5 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 5 down to G, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 1270 other songs in our catalog use Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD).
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)
Already tuned to DGDF#AD? These tunings are just one small change away.
Open D Tuning77 songs
D - A - D - F# - A - DOnly string 5 differs: A instead of G.DGDGAD Tuning9 songs
D - G - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.Custom Tuning (DGDDAD)2 songs
DGDDADOnly string 3 differs: D instead of F#.Custom Tuning (DGDF#AA)1 song
DGDF#AAOnly string 1 differs: A instead of D.Big Thief’s Guitar Tunings
Big Thief plays 1 of 3 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)DGDF#AD1 song
Gear for Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)
Strings and tools that make playing "Velvet Ring" in Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD) 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 5 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Velvet Ring” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Velvet Ring" by Big Thief in?
"Velvet Ring" is played in Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD): DGDF#AD, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Velvet Ring"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 5: tune down a whole step (A2 → G2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)?
Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.
More Songs by Big Thief
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Big Thief:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DGDF#AD)
Once tuned to DGDF#AD, try playing these tracks next: