Indian Giver
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 “Indian Giver”:
| 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
"Indian Giver" by Every Time I Die 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. Every Time I Die 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 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.Every Time I Die’s Guitar Tunings
Every Time I Die plays 2 of 2 songs in our catalog in AADGBE Tuning. Most-used tunings:
- AADGBE TuningA - A - D - G - B - E2 songs
Gear for AADGBE Tuning
Strings and tools that make playing "Indian Giver" 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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“Indian Giver” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Indian Giver" by Every Time I Die in?
"Indian Giver" 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 "Indian Giver"?
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.
Which other Every Time I Die songs use this tuning?
"Fear and Trembling" — all in A - A - D - G - B - E, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Every Time I Die
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Every Time I Die:
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