Victim
Required String Notes:AAAEAE
Tune to Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)Tune to Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)
Play each string and match the pitch using your microphone. Targets are set to this song’s exact tuning (AAAEAE).
Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)
±0
A
Target: 55.0 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
A55
A55
A55
E82
A110
E165
How to Tune from Standard to Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings to play “Victim”:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | A1 | Tune down 7 semitones |
| String 5 | A2 | A1 | Tune down 12 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A1 | Tune down 17 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | E2 | Tune down 15 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A2 | Tune down 14 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | E3 | Tune down 12 semitones |
Recommended string gauge: .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072) · affiliate link
Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown
"Victim" by Devin Townsend is played in Custom Tuning (AAAEAE) (AAAEAE). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 6 of 6 strings: string 6 down to A, string 5 down to A, string 4 down to A, string 3 down to E, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to E. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 17 semitones down. Devin Townsend uses this same tuning on 5 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.
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Tunings Close to Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)
Already tuned to AAAEAE? These tunings are just one small change away.
Devin Townsend’s Guitar Tunings
Devin Townsend plays 6 of 25 songs in our catalog in Custom Tuning (AAAEAE). Most-used tunings:
- Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)AAAEAE6 songs
Gear for Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)
Strings and tools that make playing "Victim" in Custom Tuning (AAAEAE) easier.
Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky (.013–.072)
Recommended gauge .013–.072. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
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 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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“Victim” Tuning FAQ
What tuning is "Victim" by Devin Townsend in?
"Victim" is played in Custom Tuning (AAAEAE): AAAEAE, from the lowest to the highest string.
How do I tune my guitar to play "Victim"?
Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down 7 semitones (E2 → A1). String 5: tune down 12 semitones (A2 → A1). String 4: tune down 17 semitones (D3 → A1). String 3: tune down 15 semitones (G3 → E2). String 2: tune down 14 semitones (B3 → A2). String 1: tune down 12 semitones (E4 → E3).
What string gauge should I use for Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)?
Use a .013–.072 set. The bass strings drop very far below standard; a baritone-weight set stops them from flopping and buzzing.
Which other Devin Townsend songs use this tuning?
"Irish Maiden", "Jupiter", "Material", "Namaste", "Planet Rain" — all in AAAEAE, so you can play them without retuning.
More Songs by Devin Townsend
Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Devin Townsend:
Open C 7-String (GCGCGCE)Intermediate
G - C - G - C - G - C - ENo Capo
Other Songs in Custom Tuning (AAAEAE)
Once tuned to AAAEAE, try playing these tracks next: