The tuning named "AA A" is a distinctive and deeply resonant guitar setup, as described by its discoverer for crafting "homemade songs in the key of A, either acoustic or with delay." This tuning provides a rich, full-bodied sound centered around the A Major tonality, making it ideal for ambient textures, open-string drones, and melodic explorations within the A Major scale.

Technical Analysis

Technically, the open strings are tuned to A1, A2, C4#, E3, B3, A3 (from lowest to highest string). The presence of A, C#, E notes among the open strings immediately forms a strong A Major chord. With the additional B note (Major 9th), the open tuning effectively presents a lush Amaj9 chord (A-C#-E-B), offering a sophisticated harmonic foundation without fretting. The multiple A notes (A1, A2, A3) across different octaves create a powerful, sustained drone effect, reinforcing the key center.

A unique characteristic of this tuning is the highly unconventional pitch arrangement on the higher strings. Specifically, the 4th string (C#4) is remarkably pitched higher than the 3rd (E3), 2nd (B3), and 1st (A3) strings. This non-sequential order creates a highly distinctive harmonic landscape, making standard chord shapes largely unfeasible but opening up a world of new, often ethereal, voicings and melodic possibilities not found in conventional tunings. It encourages players to think outside traditional fretboard patterns and embrace its unique sonic personality.

Due to the very low tunings on the 6th and 1st strings, using heavier gauge strings is highly recommended to maintain tension and intonation, and to prevent potential string breakage or buzzing.

How to Tune to 'AA A'

To achieve the 'AA A' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: This is a significant drop (more than 4 semitones down). A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and intonation.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#3. Note: The target note specified in the tuning is C4#. When starting from a standard D string, tuning down 1 semitone will result in C#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. Caution: This is a significant drop (more than 4 semitones down). A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and intonation.

When tuning significantly up or down (beyond 4 semitones), consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.

**Target Notes for Each String (Low to High):**

• 6th String (Low E): A1
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): C4#
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): A3