This is an exciting and harmonically rich open tuning, designed to resonate deeply in the key of A. The open strings themselves form a vibrant A Major 9 chord (A-B-C#-E-G#), providing a lush and full sound that is instantly inspiring. When strummed open, it creates a bright, ringing tonality perfect for acoustic fingerstyle, slide guitar, or crafting expansive soundscapes. The tuning description hints at its use for a song in the key of A, which is perfectly supported by its open string harmonies.

Technically, the tuning moves significantly upwards from standard E Standard tuning (EADGBe). The lowest three strings (6th, 5th, 4th) are tuned to A2, C#4, and E3 respectively, forming a clear A Major triad in a rather spread voicing. The upper three strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st) are B3, E4, and G#5, which when combined with the lower notes, add the 9th, root, and major 7th of an A Major 9 chord. This arrangement makes the A Major chord and its extensions readily available without fretting, simplifying complex voicings and encouraging drone-like qualities.

Due to the substantial upward movements of all strings, this tuning introduces very high string tension. For most standard gauge strings, tuning up by 4 or 5 semitones (as is the case for nearly all strings here) can be risky and may lead to string breakage or even damage to the guitar's neck or bridge. It is highly recommended to use lighter gauge strings or consult with a luthier before attempting this tuning to ensure the instrument's safety and optimal playability. The sonic payoff is significant, offering unique harmonic possibilities and a bright, resonant character, especially suited for melodic lines over a sustained A Major harmony.

Open Chords and Voicings:

• Strumming all open strings yields a full and bright A Major 9 chord (A-B-C#-E-G#). This is a very rich and pleasant sound, forming the basis for improvisation in the key of A.
• Strings 6, 5, 4 (A2, C#4, E3) form an A Major triad, perfect for bass-heavy drones and rhythmic accompaniment.
• Strings 3, 2, 1 (B3, E4, G#5) form an E Major triad in second inversion (B-E-G#), which functions as the V chord or adds rich upper extensions to the A chord.
• The repetition of E (E3 on 4th string, E4 on 2nd string) provides a strong, ringing fifth that anchors the tonality.
• Simple one-finger barres across certain frets can quickly yield other chords related to A major, for example, a barre at the 2nd fret would likely produce a B minor or B7 sound, given the open string relationships.

How to Tune:

To achieve this high-tension A Major Open Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note the significant upward tension on all strings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones, a lighter string gauge is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and potential damage to your instrument.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones to A2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 4 semitones to C#4.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones to E4.
• 1st String (High e): Tune up 4 semitones to G#5.

6th String: A2 (the lowest A on a standard 88-key piano keyboard)

5th String: C#4 (C-sharp in the fourth octave, one semitone above middle C)

4th String: E3 (E in the third octave, just below middle C)

3rd String: B3 (B in the third octave, just below middle C)

2nd String: E4 (E in the fourth octave, just above middle C)

1st String: G#5 (G-sharp in the fifth octave, well above middle C)