Conductor’s Melody Quest

Conductor’s Melody is a Main Quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong. After progress at Cogwork Core, Hornet is sent toward High Halls to find Conductor Ballador and learn the Melody of Conductors—one of the melodies required to open the path toward the Citadel’s peak.

Quest Overview

• Quest Type: Main Quest
• Location: High Halls (reached from the Choral Chambers side of Cogwork Core)
• Objective: Navigate to High Halls, clear the arena gauntlet, then learn the Melody from Ballador
• Requirements: Defeat Cogwork Dancers; have Clawline and Cling Grip
• Recommended: Drifter’s Cloak (glide), Faydown Cloak (double jump)
• Reward: Progress in the mainline toward Pharloom’s Crown

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How to Start the Quest

Conductor’s Melody begins automatically once you’ve defeated the Cogwork Dancers in Cogwork Core and interact with the mechanism related to ascending the Citadel. From there, your next destination becomes High Halls.

Movement Checks

You’ll need Clawline and Cling Grip to progress. Drifter’s Cloak and Faydown Cloak make the spike descent and ring sequences far safer.

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Walkthrough: From Cogwork Core to High Halls

1. Exit Cogwork Core toward High Halls

   From the Cogwork Dancers’ arena, proceed left through the Choral Chambers route that climbs toward the gilded passages.
   

2. Enter the High Halls

   Push upward through the upper corridors and step into High Halls.
   

3. Clawline Upward

   Use Clawline to hook rings above platforms and gain height.
   

4. Traverse Rightward Platforms

   Chain double jumps and Clawline pulls to cross to the right; expect Maestro or Minister patrols en route.
   

5. Spike Descent — Part I

   In a tall, spike-lined shaft, glide with Drifter’s Cloak and tap rings to open routes as you descend.
   

6. Spike Descent — Part II

   Keep alternating glide → ring → platform to avoid hazards until the lower passage opens.
   

7. Open the Lower Path

   Use Clawline on a ring at the right to reveal the way down and drop into the next chamber.
   

8. Prep for the Gauntlet — Head Right for Bench, Then Left

   First, go right to unlock a Bench (and chest/map if present). Then backtrack left toward the arena door for the upcoming challenge.
   

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The High Halls Gauntlet (Arena Challenge)

You’ll face multiple waves of enemies (Reeds, Choristors, Choir Clapper/Bellbearer, Maestros, Ministers) culminating in two miniboss waves—the final wave can field two at once. Tools that help with crowd control are invaluable.

Optional Allies

If you have finished Trail’s End, Shakra can appear outside the arena and offer help. Other potential helpers may appear if their hidden conditions are met.

1. First Boss Wave

   Manage space; prioritize ranged threats and keep platforms clear for movement.
   

2. Second Boss Wave

   Expect heavier damage and overlapping patterns; use iframes from cloak glides and punish openings.
   

On victory, proceed left into the quiet hall.

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Learn the Melody from Ballador

Speak with Conductor Ballador. After a short dialogue, he performs the melody; then play the Needolin to learn Conductor’s Melody and advance the mainline objective.

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Notes & Tips

• Movement checks: Clawline, Cling Grip are mandatory; Drifter’s Cloak and Faydown Cloak greatly ease ring timings and spike descents.
• The arena fight is lengthy—consider damage upgrades and tools with sustain or area control.
• After this melody, you will still need to acquire Vaultkeeper’s Melody and Architect’s Melody elsewhere to fully progress.