Hodd A Tuning Analysis

The "Hodd A" tuning is an intriguing Guitar tuning, aptly named as an acronym for "Hybrid Octave/Double Drop." This description perfectly encapsulates its unique structure, blending elements of deeply dropped tunings with the familiar characteristics of a Double Drop setup on the upper strings.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, Hodd A delivers a profoundly resonant and often dark sound profile due to its incredibly low bass strings. The lowest string is an A1, which is an entire octave below the standard low E, providing an immense foundational depth. This makes it ideal for heavy riffs, drone effects, and creating a thick, wall-of-sound texture. The upper strings, featuring a D-G-B-D configuration, mirror a Double Drop tuning on the first and fourth strings while maintaining the standard G and B, making these upper registers feel surprisingly familiar for lead work, melodies, and open chords. The contrast between the subterranean bass and the more conventional upper voice creates a very dynamic and expressive tuning, suitable for genres requiring both massive impact and melodic flexibility.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for Hodd A are, from lowest to highest: A1-A2-D3-G3-B3-D4.

• The 6th and 5th strings are tuned to A1 and A2 respectively, forming a perfect octave. This pairing creates a robust and resonant low-end foundation.
• The 4th string is D3, a perfect fourth above A2, and the 3rd string is G3, a perfect fourth above D3. This establishes a strong sense of A and D power chords on the lower-middle strings.
• The upper three strings (G3, B3, D4) form a G Major triad (Root-Major 3rd-Perfect 5th). This common triad is highly versatile for melodic playing, chord inversions, and arpeggios, offering a brighter counterpoint to the deep bass.

When strummed open, the full tuning produces a rich, complex harmony. The notes A, D, G, B create an Am7(add4, add9)-like voicing, or can be interpreted as a root A with an inverted G Major chord on strings 4-1 (D-G-B-D). This allows for both dark, brooding textures and brighter G Major tonalities depending on string selection. Open power chords built around the low A and D are extremely accessible, as are open G Major voicings using the upper four strings, making it a surprisingly versatile tuning for various musical expressions.

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

Achieving the Hodd A tuning requires significant adjustment for some strings. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with caution, especially for the lowest string's considerable drop.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: This is a very significant drop. For optimal tension and intonation, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.