The Alphabetical Order Tuning for Guitar lives up to its name, arranging the open strings to spell out the first six letters of the Latin alphabet: A-B-C-D-E-F. This distinctive tuning, as described, is primarily used for novelty due to its unconventional intervallic structure.

Technically, the open string notes are A1, B2, C3, D3, E4, F4. This creates a widely varied set of intervals across the strings: a major ninth (A1 to B2), a minor second (B2 to C3), a major second (C3 to D3), another major ninth (D3 to E4), and finally, a minor second (E4 to F4). This highly dissonant open voicing (A-B-C-D-E-F) means that standard chord shapes will not apply, and strumming all open strings will yield a cluster of notes rather than a harmonious chord.

Given its unique nature, finding conventional open chords is challenging. However, exploring subsets of strings can reveal interesting sonorities:

• The combination of B2, D3, and F4 offers a B diminished triad.
• Strumming the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (C3, D3, E4) provides a sound reminiscent of a C major add9 or D sus2.
• The top three strings (D3, E4, F4) can outline an F Major 6th chord (without the 5th) or a Dm add9 (without the 5th), with D as the root.
• The close proximity of E4 and F4 on the highest strings (a minor second) will create a deliberate tension often used in more experimental or avant-garde musical contexts.

This tuning invites players to experiment with unconventional chord voicings and single-note melodies that exploit its unique alphabetical sequence. It's a tuning that encourages departure from traditional guitar harmony.

Here are the notes for each string in the Alphabetical Order tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): A1
• 5th String (A): B2
• 4th String (D):): C3
• 3rd String (G): D3
• 2nd String (B): E4
• 1st String (High E): F4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Alphabetical Order tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E2 to A1. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is recommended to maintain optimal tension and prevent floppiness.)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is recommended to maintain optimal tension and prevent floppiness.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4. (Note: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Exercise caution to avoid string breakage, and consider using a lighter gauge string for better playability and safety.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4 to F4.