Dark bird is home
Required String Notes:DABEAE
Tune to Custom Tuning (DABEAE)Tune to Custom Tuning (DABEAE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (DABEAE).
Custom Tuning (DABEAE)
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
B123
E165
A220
E330
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (DABEAE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Dark bird is home”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | B2 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E3 | Tune down 3 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A3 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 1 | E4 | E4 | Leave as is |
Recommended string gauge: .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Dark bird is home" by Tallest Man on Earth is played in Custom Tuning (DABEAE) (DABEAE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 4 down to B, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Tallest Man on Earth uses this same tuning on 1 other song in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (DABEAE)
Already tuned to DABEAE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Tallest Man on Earth’s Guitar Tunings
Tallest Man on Earth plays 2 of 3 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (DABEAE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (DABEAE)DABEAE2 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (DABEAE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Dark bird is home" in Custom Tuning (DABEAE) easier.
Ernie Ball Beefy Slinky (.011–.054)
Recommended gauge .011–.054. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
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 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Dark bird is home” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Dark bird is home" by Tallest Man on Earth in?
"Dark bird is home" is played in Custom Tuning (DABEAE): DABEAE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Dark bird is home"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 4: tune down 3 semitones (D3 → B2). String 3: tune down 3 semitones (G3 → E3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (DABEAE)?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Which other Tallest Man on Earth songs use this tuning?
"Slow dance" — all in DABEAE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Tallest Man on Earth
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Tallest Man on Earth:
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (DABEAE)
Once tuned to DABEAE, try playing these tracks next: