The Ghost In My Machine

Stories of the Strange and Unusual

The Most Dangerous Games: The Dark Music Ritual

by

Previously: 11 Miles.

Tracking down what I believe to be the origins of the Dark Music ritual was… an adventure. I’ve found it in a few random places on the internet: A version was posted on Wattpad on March 3, 2014, for example, as well as on Quotev “five months ago,” which was roughly October-ish at the time of this writing; a seemingly abandoned blog called Queen of Scare also posted it in March of 2014, just about a week after the Wattpad version appeared, so it would be reasonable to assume that there’s some kind of connection in the timeline there, too.

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As I traced it back, though, the most fruitful trail I found was this: Whispering Dark posted a version on Jan. 17, 2015, crediting a cite called Blah Since I Know. The link from Whispering Dark to Blah Since I Know, though, just goes to the homepage, rather than the specific post with the game in it, so you’ll have to perform a search on the site to dig it up. The Blah Since I Know post that does contain the game is dated Aug. 23, 2013, where it credits the Hide and Go Kill Wikia — a wiki geared towards chronicling creepy games, although I found it sadly sparse. If you go into the edit history of the game on Hide and Go Kill, you’ll find that it was first uploaded on March 13, 2012 by StormingThornX. 

That’s where I lost the trail, so I’m assuming that that’s where the game begin — which means it’s likely one that’s less a descendant of actual folklore and more just something someone made up on the internet for funsies.

What’s sort of interesting, though, is that the version currently on the Hide and Go Kill Wikia is quite different from the original version (which, again, you can see if you go into the edit history of the game’s Wikia page). The major change seems to have happened on March 22, 2014, made by a user going only by a sequence of numbers as their name. The version that’s on Whispering Dark, Blah Since You Know, and all the other websites this game is floating around on seem mostly to take their cues from the original version, though, as they all feature a hawk feather and ink rather than a pencil, as well as a much simpler closing ceremony.

So, what I’m saying is, the evolution of this one since what I believe is its beginning has been… interesting.

Is it possible that one of the many variations will work better than the others? Maybe. But maybe it just depends on what you’re looking for personally when you start it.

Here’s the version I think is the most useful.

As always, play at your own risk.

Players:

  • One principal.

Requirements:

  • A sheltered location with a door.
  • A musical instrument. Something small and portable is ideal; think a guitar or a flute, rather than a grand piano.
  • A pin.
  • A cup of salt water.
  • A container of salt.
  • A sheet of paper.
  • A pencil.
  • A camera. This requirement is optional.
  • A hiding place. This requirement is not optional.

Instructions:

The Prelude:

  1. Begin at night.
  2. Turn off all the lights.
  3. Place the musical instrument in front of the door. If using the camera, place it such that it may capture the instrument while recording. This is your concert setup. Do NOT stand between the instrument and the door. Do NOT otherwise block the instrument from the door.
  4. With the pin, prick the part of your body that is typically used to play your chosen instrument; then deposit a drop of blood on the area of the instrument that part of your body would touch in order to play. For example, if you chose a guitar, prick your finger, then deposit a drop of blood on the strings along the fretboard.
  5. Using your pencil, write a brief message on the sheet of paper asking the spirit to play you a song. The wording is up to you; however, it is recommended that you be respectful and kind. It is NOT recommended that you DEMAND the spirit to play. No one likes being ordered about.
  6. Place the note beside the instrument.
  7. If using the camera, begin recording.
  8. Draw a line of salt between you and your concert setup.

The Main Theme:

  1. Go to your hiding place. Take the salt and the cup of salt water with you. You should NOT be able to see the musical instrument from here.
  2. Sit.
  3. Be still.
  4. Be silent.
  5. Listen.
  6. Enjoy the music.

The Coda:

  • If the music draws to a natural close:
    1. Leave your hiding place. Take the salt water with you.
    2. Go to the line of salt between you and the concert setup.
      • If it is broken: Do not proceed. Instead, go to Step 1 of “If any of the following occur.”
      • If the instrument is broken: Do not proceed. Instead, go to Step 1 of “If any of the following occur.”
      • If the salt line and the instrument are both intact: You may proceed.
    3. Using both hands, put a break in the line of salt.
    4. Go to the musical instrument. Do NOT stand between the instrument and the door. Do NOT otherwise block the instrument from the door.
    5. Pick up the piece of paper with the message on it. Fold it three times.
    6. Place the folded message in the cup of salt water.
    7. Place the cup of salt water next to the instrument where the message previously sat.
    8. Thank the spirit for its performance.
    9. Use the salt water to wash the blood from the instrument.
    10. If using the camera, stop recording.
    11. Finish the night however you see fit. It is recommended that you stay quiet and do not play any further music. You may choose simply to go to sleep.
  • If any of the following occur: The music comes to a sudden halt; the music begins to play out of tune or time; a loud noise sounds from elsewhere in the house; the salt line is broken; or the instrument is broken:
    1. As fast as you can, leave your hiding place and go to the instrument. Take the salt water with you.
    2. Splash some of the salt water on the floor between the instrument and the door. Do NOT use all of the salt water. Do NOT stand between the instrument and the door. Do NOT otherwise block the instrument from the door.
    3. The countdown begins now. You have 15 seconds.
    4. Pick up the message. Tear it into five pieces. Crumple each piece and drop it in the remaining salt water. Make sure each piece is thoroughly wet.
    5. Check your countdown. You have 12 seconds.
    6. Ask the spirit for forgiveness.
    7. Ask the spirit for forgiveness.
    8. Ask the spirit for forgiveness.
    9. Check your countdown. You have 10 seconds.
    10. After you have asked the spirit for forgiveness three times, pick up the instrument.
    11. Play the instrument. Do NOT show off. Do NOT attempt to play what the spirit played. Keep it simple and clean.
    12. Play for 10 seconds.
    13. Your countdown is up.
      • If you have completed all three of these tasks — destroying the message, asking for forgiveness, playing the instrument for 10 seconds — you may proceed.
      • If you have NOT completed all three of these tasks — destroying the message, asking for forgiveness, playing the instrument for 10 seconds — you may not proceed. Or perhaps more accurately, you will be in no condition to proceed.
    14. Put down the instrument.
    15. Turn on the lights.
    16. Be still.
    17. silent.
    18. Wait.
    19. After an hour has passed, make a new cup of salt water and wash the blood from the instrument.
    20. Do not play music in that location again.

Variations on a Theme:

Some versions of the ritual instruct players to begin at specific times. According to one, you must be in your hiding place before midnight; that is when the concert begins, and it is rude to be late. According to another, you may begin anytime between 11pm and 4am. Choose your time wisely.

Some versions of the ritual require a hawk feather and ink. These materials are to be used instead of the pencil. It is unknown whether the feather and ink are in any way more effective than the pencil.

Some versions of the ritual do not include the salt line. It is not recommended that you perform these versions; the salt line is a failsafe, and it would be rather foolish to play without it.

Some versions of the ritual require an audio recorder and headphones. It is unknown why a live concert would require these items to hear.

Some versions of the ritual instruct players to leave sheet music along with their message. The function of the sheet music may be seen as if the player is making a specific song request; however, should the second coda be necessary, players are required to tear up the sheet music as well as the message. This makes it highly unlikely that players will be able to complete the second coda before the countdown runs out. It is therefore not recommended that players leave sheet music along with their message.

Some versions of the ritual require not just a place to hide, but also a thing in which to hide. A dark colored blanket is often recommended for this purpose.

Some versions of the ritual have only one coda option. These versions instruct players to end the ritual on their own time, rather than the spirit’s, and to do so by taking in a mouthful of salt water and spitting it on the floor by the instrument. The safety of this version seems somewhat suspect.

Concerning the Camera:

If you performed the first coda, you may watch the recording at your leisure.

If you performed the second coda, it is strongly recommended that you do not watch the recording and/or that you destroy it.

No matter which coda you performed, DO NOT UPLOAD THE VIDEO TO THE INTERNET. The spirit doesn’t take kindly to those who try to profit off of its private performances.

The Dark Music Ritual: FAQ.

***

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[Photo via Orin Zebest/Flickr]

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • I did and it was wonderful, although terrifying. I left my violin out, and hid in my closet. in the tape you can see the bow floating as it draws across the strings. I’ve done it a couple times, actually. every time is wonderful. or perhaps I’m lonely. but while it plays, you get a feeling of you’re listening to something ancient play, and it’s skill is unrivaled. A note, if you use a personal instrument, when you play it again you will feel a presence. it’s not a feeling of danger, and I think it may actually want to help you improve since I play much, much better after each concert

      Reply

    • Lol I want to give this spirit something like Liszt Transcendental Etudes just to piss it off xD

      Reply

      • I don’t think so, considering above it says the spirit won’t take kindly to you sharing their PRIVATE concert/ performance. So, no, I think it just won’t work, or it might piss the spirit off and it won’t end up well for you.

        Reply

  2. When we play the instrument for ten seconds , how do you NOT show off? And would drums work for the instrument of choice?

    Reply

    • I used an ocarina and played a simple childhood song. Imagine yourself as a child practicing alone at home. Don’t play like you’re a rock star or a professional orchestra musician. Of course you can use drums if you want.

      Reply

    • I would think not showing off would mean something like Hot Cross Buns or Mary Had a Little Lamb or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star that’s easy and a beginning song.

      Reply

    • Play something, as a matter of fact, for the beginners. Like “Happy Birthday To You”, for that matter.
      Probably, but very unlikely. Drums only keep up the rhythm, and what song could you EVER play with drums?

      Reply

    • I would probably either play slowly a set of random notes or the simple version of Hot Cross Buns without any extra music to go with it.

      Reply

  3. I found this one on Blah Since I Know about an year or two ago. Not many people seemed to know about this, but now that you’ve posted it here, lots of people will know. So, thanks Lucia. I really love TGIMM and Blah Since I Know. The latter was the first site on which I found out about these dangerous games, so i just love it. TGIMM is awesome too. Thanks a lot for these creepy rituals.

    Reply

    • I imagine that that’s where the spirit would be, and it would anger anyone if you seemed to run full pelt into them.

      Or it could just be a “personal space” thing?

      Reply

    • The sprit will likely need to be close to the instrument and maybe touch it to play, and will come in through the door. Being between the door and the instrument means possible contact with the spirit, which is probably very unwise.

      Reply

    • Because (in theory) the spirit will go through the door and play, so you will probs anger the spirit in this case.

      Reply

    • Maybe because that would be like as if a musician was about to play, walking towards the instrument, and you suddenly just jump onto him or something.

      Reply

    • I know I’m late to the party, but with the way the ritual emphasizes not stepping between the instrument and the door I imagine the being having abnormally long, ghostly arms that stretch from the door to the instrument, hence why spilling the salt water between the door and the instrument should cause them to back off rather than on the instrument itself.

      Reply

  7. If I wanted the spirit to play an instrument that requires both the fingers and mouth to play (i.e a recorder or ocarina), would I have to prick both my lips and a finger?

    Reply

    • I’d say so, but don’t put two drops on the instrument. Instead, prick both of them, then let the blood mix on your finger. Like, prick your lips, the use the needle to put the drop on your finger, then prick your finger and drip it on your instument

      Reply

  8. I don’t get the position of things. Are you inside the sheltered room or not? Is the flute inside or outside? I”m so confused

    Reply

  9. When it says “do not play music” does it just mean not play like an instrument, or don’t play music at all, including like music from an mp3 player?

    Reply

  10. Also, it says that if the instrument is broken to play it. What if the instrument is too broken to be played? Are you just screwed?

    Reply

  11. When you say hiding spot, do you mean anywhere out of sight of the instrument or an acual hiding spot such as a closet or under a bed

    Reply

    • If the thing doesn’t want you to share the video on the internet, i’s probably best not to show it’s private concert to anyone else.

      Reply

      • I don’t know. They say the spirit doesn’t want you profiting from the video. On the internet, you at least could get fame, if not money. Either fame or money would be “profiting”. But I don’t see why you couldn’t just show it to a friend (not through the internet). That wouldn’t be “profiting”.

        Reply

  15. Is a closet good enough hiding space? Also, I know you’re not allowed to post it online, but what if you show it to your friend as a proof?

    Reply

    • I wouldn’t go outside. You are supposed to pay attention. If it starts to play out of tune or if it stops abruptly, you would definitely be too late to fix things.

      Reply

  22. you see, to be honest i performed this ritual about a year ago, i played the version which i would spit in the floor by the instrument, and it worked fine and ended the ghost’s playing my brother’s guitar. In that version too, i didn’t use camera as the recording device, instead i used a tape recorder. The song played the ghost is very pleasant and soothing for me to hear, but for the other people, it only caused ear pain and uncomfortable chilly feeling (as described by them). So far, i didn’t take any negative consequence other than angry responses from people i made to hear the song.
    Note : i wrote the request in the paper with quill pen and the language which i wrote is too polite by my standard, i also think it is not a good idea to spit at the ghost/whatever entity it was, but so far so good

    Reply

    • Oh right, i forgot to tell but i did this ritual in far away place, at an abandoned building scheduled for demolition (i have a good skill at picking lock, or if i can not, i just brute forced to open the door), no way i would do it in my own house. After this ritual, the version required to pour salt water then destroy and burn the musical instrument together with the instruction paper, so i destroyed and burned my brother’s guitar after poured salt water on it, together with the instruction paper for the ghost, i had to bought a new guitar for my brother after that. Maybe that’s why i didn’t get any negative consequences.

      Reply

  23. I have online friends. If I did this ritual, could I them the recording, or would that count as uploading it to the internet? I’m curious.

    Reply

  24. If the instrument is so broken that it’s in dozens of pieces, can I just pick up the piece I would use to play and kind of mime it (I.e. pick up guitar string, pull it taut, and pluck it)? Also, do I have to “play” the instrument? Like, if I’m using a piano, can I just bang on the keys? And if the spirit starts playing out of tune or time, will it be obvious? I can be kind of tone deaf and my not notice until it’s too late if it’s too subtle. Finally, can I ask the spirit to sing for me? Like, leave a microphone?

    Reply

    • 1. That could possibly work, so long as it makes a sound similar to that of music.

      2. All that’s instructed is to not play the instrument in a way that would shame the spirit. So don’t play anything complex or impressive. Just hitting keys almost sounds like a taunt, and unappreciative; no effort. I don’t recommend that.

      3. It’s unknown if the spirit would be inexperienced or if it would make mistakes. If it does though, don’t express any emotion to it, ignore it as if it never occured. Reacting negatively would cause you to have to perform the forgiveness sequence for sure.

      4. Probably not. A microphone is not an instrument.

      Reply

    • Technology and magick/otherworldly rituals never mix well. Technology never really seems to work if directly involved. You could try it, but don’t expect it to be successful.

      Reply

    • I would assume the location as a whole. After all, that room is only a PART of the location, so it still counts.

      Reply

  28. how would the results vary if i used an instrument i have deep emotional ties to as oppose to buying a new one?
    what if the instrument was out of tune before i began the ritual?

    Reply

    • I would think that before you begun the ritual, you would make sure it’s in tune so you’d know the notes were correct to begin with. And if they instead come out off key, you’d for sure know it’s caused by whatever is playing it.

      And personally, I wouldn’t use your own personal instruments that have, as you say, deep emotional ties to it. Mainly because you may have to destroy it as mentioned in the steps and I also just wouldn’t want something attached to it. So I’d probably recommend just getting a cheap instrument like you would get a burner phone for the games here that involve using a phone. (The Answer Man)

      Reply

  29. one more question – what if the instrument isn’t broken but it’s been taken apart (like the mouthpiece is missing off of the trumpet or something) or what if it’s taken apart and the part you need to actually play the instrument is missing (lets say the reed is missing from a clarinet) should i look for it or just make random sounds into the instrument?

    Reply

    • I would say tune the instrument before you start because what if the spirit is picky and gets mad at you for not tuning the instrument before you gave it to Him?

      Reply

      • thank you! that’s what i was thinking too, since trombones can get out of tune somewhat easily. (or at least mine does)

        Reply

  32. My only question really is if you don’t have to do the second coda (I.e. Everything turned out fine, the spirit played the song without becoming enraged and the ceremony was properly closed). Could any attempt at recreating the song performed be done, or would there potentially be negative consequences for choosing to do so?

    Reply

  33. Would a launchpad work as a instrument, would a piano app in a phone would work, or anything related to technology??

    Reply

  36. Would your voice be an acceptable instrument? If you can’t play an instrument, can you sing instead?

    Reply

  37. Guys, why we can’t upload it in Internet or YouTube ??? Can somebody tell me what happen if we just upload it ??? Anybody have experienced who dare to upload the ritual footage of Dark Musical Instrument ??

    Reply

    • It is clear that the performance is very private, and the effect of the recording is very different from the principal and other people, which is the principal would hear some good musics, but others would hear some weird stuff.

      And you want to scare everyone on the internet with the price of, uhhhh, your life?

      Reply

  39. I know that I shouldn’t leave a note sheet in case things go wrong but, have you ever heard a spirit play Smash Mouth All Star on the ocarina. It’s such a large flex, Like someone goes around flexing that they saw a ghost and than just the largest power move ever is to just tell him about how your demon friend Lenny played all star for you

    Reply

  41. Here’s a few questions concerning the instruction, “Never play music in that location again.” Let’s say I’m playing this game in a house.

    1) Does it mean never play music in that house again, or just not in the same room where you performed the ritual.

    2) Regardless of the answer to #1, does it mean no playing music period, including singing or playing music on a phone, or just not any musical instruments, say, an electronic keyboard?

    Reply

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