Previously: 11 Miles.
Tracking down what I believe to be the origins of the Dark Music ritual was… an adventure. Iâve 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 âfive months ago,â 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.
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 site 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 youâll 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 â 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, youâll find that it was first uploaded on March 13, 2012 by StormingThornX.Â
[Like what you read? Check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available from Chronicle Books now!]
Thatâs where I lost the trail, so Iâm assuming that thatâs where the game begin â which means itâs likely one thatâs less a descendant of actual folklore and more just something someone made up on the internet for funsies.
Whatâs 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 thatâs 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 Iâm 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 youâre 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:
- Begin at night.
- Turn off all the lights.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place the note beside the instrument.
- If using the camera, begin recording.
- Draw a line of salt between you and your concert setup.
The Main Theme:
- 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.
- Sit.
- Be still.
- Be silent.
- Listen.
- Enjoy the music.
The Coda:
- If the music draws to a natural close:
- Leave your hiding place. Take the salt water with you.
- 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.
- Using both hands, put a break in the line of salt.
- Go to the musical instrument. Do NOT stand between the instrument and the door. Do NOT otherwise block the instrument from the door.
- Pick up the piece of paper with the message on it. Fold it three times.
- Place the folded message in the cup of salt water.
- Place the cup of salt water next to the instrument where the message previously sat.
- Thank the spirit for its performance.
- Use the salt water to wash the blood from the instrument.
- If using the camera, stop recording.
- 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:
- As fast as you can, leave your hiding place and go to the instrument. Take the salt water with you.
- 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.
- The countdown begins now. You have 15 seconds.
- 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.
- Check your countdown. You have 12 seconds.
- Ask the spirit for forgiveness.
- Ask the spirit for forgiveness.
- Ask the spirit for forgiveness.
- Check your countdown. You have 10 seconds.
- After you have asked the spirit for forgiveness three times, pick up the instrument.
- Play the instrument. Do NOT show off. Do NOT attempt to play what the spirit played. Keep it simple and clean.
- Play for 10 seconds.
- Your countdown is up.
- If you have completed all three of these tasks â destroying the message, asking for forgiveness, playing the instrument for 10 seconds â you may proceed.
- If you have NOT completed all three of these tasks â destroying the message, asking for forgiveness, playing the instrument for 10 seconds â you may not proceed. Or perhaps more accurately, you will be in no condition to proceed.
- Put down the instrument.
- Turn on the lights.
- Be still.
- silent.
- Wait.
- After an hour has passed, make a new cup of salt water and wash the blood from the instrument.
- 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 spiritâs, 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 doesnât take kindly to those who try to profit off of its private performances.
***
Follow The Ghost In My Machine on Twitter @GhostMachine13 and on Facebook @TheGhostInMyMachine. And donât forget to check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available now from Chronicle Books!
[Photo via Orin Zebest/Flickr]
Ariza Luca says
Are electronic instruments permitted or would that be a bad idea? (Electronic keyboards or synthesizers, as an example.)
And on that note: if the instrument is no longer properly making sound, but you are playing the correct notes on the instrument somehow in the situation where you must play the instrument, would that still count? You are, after all, still playing the instrument; it just isn’t making noise.
Alina says
Sounds like a great thing, you just gotta be real nice to a spirit to have it play music for you! But I personally wouldn’t try it. Thanks for the amazing posts!
Gabriel says
Why do you have to hide?
Tejas Halgere says
Well, I play the piano, so for the ritual, can I use an upright piano or a portable digital piano? Can anyone please let me know? I would be really happy I get my answers sooner or later.
weird hooman says
Imagine if the spirit starts playing Never Gonna Give You Up.
Tanner says
Hereâs a few questions concerning the instruction, âNever play music in that location again.â Letâs say Iâm 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?
Destiny says
Imma just play Twinkle Twinkle little star the last 10 seconds. if I screw up I could play that in 10 secs âđť
Conor says
I know that I shouldnât leave a note sheet in case things go wrong but, have you ever heard a spirit play Smash Mouth All Star on the ocarina. Itâs 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
Miharu says
Would a Keyboard or Glockenspiel work?
UNKNOWNWISDOM says
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 ??
Indie says
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?
Kitty says
Would your voice be an acceptable instrument? If you can’t play an instrument, can you sing instead?
Serrai says
What if you don’t know how to play the instrument??
TBone says
Learn or don’t do the ritual
Magic Kingdom Snake says
Would the spirit play something simple, too? Or can it play intricate music?
KiishaDesu03 says
Would a launchpad work as a instrument, would a piano app in a phone would work, or anything related to technology??
Leiala says
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?
Clara says
I think you should buy a new one because the instrument is able to be broken.
Clara says
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?
ash says
thank you! thatâs what i was thinking too, since trombones can get out of tune somewhat easily. (or at least mine does)
Clara says
I think that it would be OK if you made random noises because if you try to find it you might run out of time.
ash says
one more question – what if the instrument isnât broken but itâs been taken apart (like the mouthpiece is missing off of the trumpet or something) or what if itâs 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?
Mayflower says
I think that means you’re screwed. R.I.P. You.
Lina says
clearly the safest instrument to use is a kazoo
ash says
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?
Just Me says
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)
Hirota says
If I play this game with a portable piano, I’m gonna love it but at the same time, get Misao feels.
Rhiannon says
By “don’t play music in that location again”, do you mean just that room or the entire building?
SuperCaligro says
I would assume the location as a whole. After all, that room is only a PART of the location, so it still counts.
Rhiannon says
OH! TOTALLY FORGOT! Can I use an electric instrument or an instrument plugged into an amp?
SuperCaligro says
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.
Rhiannon says
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?
SuperCaligro says
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.
Alyssa4Life says
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.
Alyssa4Life says
show*
SuperCaligro says
You can’t show anyone. It is a private concert between you and the spirit. Showing the recording to anyone would result in very bad consequences.
Fiona says
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
Fiona says
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.
Jessica says
What would happen if you listened to the recording of the second coda?
Swagger224 says
Would it be possible to ask the spirit to sing for you?
Swagger224 says
About the line of salt, does it have to be a straight line or should it be more like a semicircle
Meteor Girl says
What if the spirit has a bad voice? I don’t think that would work.
A Random Person says
When its dark outside and theres a moon or starts out.
caitlin says
what counts as night time?
ranpha says
Do you think asking an evil spirit to play THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES with a RECORDER a reasonable request?
Alyssa4Life says
They’d most likely rage quit halfway through, but you can try.
Night says
Can your hiding spot be outside? Also, can you show your friend or family member the recording?
M. Langdon says
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.
Hopps says
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?
Hopps says
Also, can you carry a paper with the instructions into the hiding spot?
A Random Person says
And why would you do that?
A Random Person says
Yes.
If it says dont post it online, it means the spirit doesn’t want anyone to see it. So, no.
GiovanniR. says
can you show other people the video but not put it online?
Saoirse says
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.
Just Some Chick says
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”.
Sinful Mourn says
You’d be bragging in a sense, so you’d be profiting off of the fact that “hey, this happened to me!”. Not a good idea.
Chloe says
It says “one principal”, does that mean there can be more than person?
Hopps says
No.
Julia says
One principal means one person. Unless it specifically says you can have someone else with you, it’s probably best to do it alone.
Hirota says
I heard someone played this game with more than one principal. Nothing happened to him.
Emily says
This is so cool I love this site!!!
Sadesja Burks says
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
Heather says
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?
Meteor Girl says
FIND A WAY TO PLAY THAT DARN THING!!!!!!!!!
OR OTHERWISE THE SPIRIT WILL BE MAD!!!!!!
Heather says
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?
lucy fir says
you get to listen to music from hell why do you need an MP3?
ZelDronpa says
Well said
One_Blue_Glove says
Indeed.
Sunny says
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
Bailey says
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?
lucy fir says
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
Purple Girl The Horror Fan says
Can you please do ‘Dark Counterpart’?
Wolf123 says
Why am i missing out on so many rituals!? Time to look it up.
PurpleGirlTheHorrorFan says
LOL, you’re funny!
Meteor Girl says
You are really a horror fan.
Eowyn says
Why is it necessary not to go between the instrument and the door?
Iconus says
That’s because you would be blocking the spirit’s path, and will likely make it angry with you.
SilentSong says
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?
Charlotta says
Well, it’s never a good idea to stand between an entity and it’s way out.
Ione Cethen says
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.
Mayflower says
Because (in theory) the spirit will go through the door and play, so you will probs anger the spirit in this case.
One_Blue_Glove says
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.
A random someone says
That is very, very rude.
Observer says
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.
Ghostlover says
What do you mean in no condition to do anything if you fail?!
Iconus says
It means that the spirit has either (1) killed you, (2) severely injured you, (3) possessed you, (4) taken your soul, or (5) done something even worse than those four things to you. So, you’re in no condition to proceed.
A Random Person says
Whats worse than death.
Just Some Chick says
According to Hermione, being expelled.
Mayflower says
What else could the spirit do to you? Trap you in the underworld forever?
Bethany says
You will die, I guess.. maybe.. RUN!!!!! Lol ??
Mayflower says
This suddenly turned into A Small Radio. Honestly, whatâs the point of running? Everything catches up, eventually…
Nobody says
You probably won’t be able to proceed. I think you can interpret what this means.
Mayflower says
DEATH, or something like what happens to you when you look at the Apex (memory loss or paralysis).
Ione Cethen says
Probably that something bad happens to you…? (I would think death)
Claire says
I would say a deep case of paralysis or other for a long time
Meteor Girl says
Because you hadn’t done the things yet anyway.
Mayflower says
I’m guessing that means the spirit will attack you since it is supposedly evil.
PURPLE GIRL THE HORROR FAN says
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.
Mysterious Spirit says
When we play the instrument for ten seconds , how do you NOT show off? And would drums work for the instrument of choice?
Purple Girl The Horror Fan says
Yes, of course, I think drums would definitely work.
Iconus says
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.
Eliza Schuyler says
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.
Meteor Girl says
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?
oof says
There are a lot of songs you can play with a drum-set (or just drums).. ever heard of a drum cover?
Charming Paranormal says
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.
Jess says
If anyone tries this–what was the experience like?
lucy fir says
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
flamecat27 says
Do you know if it was the same tune, or something different each time the spirit performed?
hunter says
Can I see the tape
Claire says
According to above, you can never post, show to another person, or otherwise publish the tape. I would deem it unwise to show anyone else your private concert.
Destiny says
Dang I play violin too đ
Andrei says
Lol I want to give this spirit something like Liszt Transcendental Etudes just to piss it off xD
alannah says
could 2 people do it?????
w e e b says
I donât think so, considering above it says the spirit wonât take kindly to you sharing their PRIVATE concert/ performance. So, no, I think it just wonât work, or it might piss the spirit off and it wonât end up well for you.