Huge Hammers
Required String Notes:A - A - D - G - B - E
Tune to AADGBE TuningHow to Tune from Standard to AADGBE Tuning
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings to play “Huge Hammers”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A2 | Leave as is |
| String 4 | D3 | D3 | Leave as is |
| String 3 | G3 | G3 | Leave as is |
| String 2 | B3 | B3 | Leave as is |
| 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
"Huge Hammers" by The Safety Fire is played in AADGBE Tuning (A - A - D - G - B - E). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 1 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 7 semitones down. 18 other songs in our catalog use AADGBE Tuning.
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Tunings Close to AADGBE Tuning
Already tuned to A - A - D - G - B - E? These tunings are just one small change away.
Standard E241 songs
E - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: E instead of A.Drop D Tuning130 songs
D - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: D instead of A.Neon Drop C Tuning13 songs
C - A - D - G - B - EOnly string 6 differs: C instead of A.Custom Tuning (BADGBE)9 songs
BADGBEOnly string 6 differs: B instead of A.Gear for AADGBE Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Huge Hammers" in AADGBE Tuning 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 1 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Huge Hammers” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Huge Hammers" by The Safety Fire in?
"Huge Hammers" is played in AADGBE Tuning: A - A - D - G - B - E, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Huge Hammers"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). Leave the other strings as they are.
What string gauge should I use for AADGBE Tuning?
Use a .011–.054 set. The bass end is slackened noticeably; a slightly heavier set keeps it tight without a full setup change.
Other Songs in AADGBE Tuning
Once tuned to A - A - D - G - B - E, try playing these tracks next:
AADGBE TuningIntermediate
A - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo