Tuning Description: Stam1na (A D A D G E)

Verbal Analysis:

The Stam1na tuning, set to A D A D G E, presents a powerful and resonant soundscape, deeply rooted in the lower registers. This tuning evokes a heavy, driving feel often favored in metal, hard rock, and progressive genres, aligning well with the Finnish band Stam1na, from which it takes its name. The significantly dropped lower strings provide a thick, chugging foundation, while the upper strings offer unique harmonic possibilities. It’s a tuning designed for impact, allowing for massive open chords and intricate, low-end riffing. The deep pitches require a guitar set up for heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension and intonation, especially with the substantial drops on the lowest two strings.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is characterized by its root note of A, establishing a dark and impactful tonal center. The notes from lowest to highest are A1-D2-A2-D3-G3-E4.

• The lowest two strings (A1 and D2) form a perfect fourth (P4) interval.
• The middle three strings (D2-A2-D3) also feature a consistent series of perfect fourths (D-A, A-D), providing a powerful foundation for chords and riffs. The interval from D3 to G3 is also a perfect fourth.
• The highest string (E4) is in standard pitch relative to standard EADGBE tuning, but it creates a Major 6th interval above the G3 (string 2), adding an interesting, slightly dissonant yet rich harmonic extension.

The open strings collectively form an A minor 7th with an added 4th (Am7add4) or an A minor 7 suspended 4th chord (Am7sus4). Specifically, the notes A-D-E-G create a resonant, complex chord often found in more adventurous rock and metal compositions.

Chordal Opportunities:

The structure of Stam1na tuning lends itself well to several types of chord voicings and playing styles:

• Open Power Chords and Drones: The low A and D provide excellent drone capabilities. Simply strumming the lowest four strings (A-D-A-D) yields a massive, open power chord sound.
• Easy Barre Chords: The consistent Perfect Fourth intervals across the middle strings (D-A-D-G) make it very easy to form barre chords. A single finger barring these strings at any fret will produce powerful chord voicings, often sounding like minor 7th chords with an added 4th, shifting the root based on the barre position. For example, barring all strings at the 5th fret would yield a Dm7add4 chord (D-G-D-G-C-A, if the E string is also fretted at 5).
• Heavy Riffing: The deeply dropped lower strings are perfect for chugging, palm-muted riffs, offering a much lower range than standard tuning.
• Harmonic Exploration: The E4 on the highest string, while familiar, interacts uniquely with the lower A D A D G, inviting exploration for melodic lines and harmonies that cut through the thick foundation.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBE):

To achieve the Stam1na tuning (A D A D G E) from standard EADGBE, adjust each string as follows. Please note that significant changes in tuning (specifically exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones) can significantly alter string tension, potentially affecting playability, intonation, and may require heavier gauge strings for optimal performance.

• 6th String (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones. As this is a drop greater than 4 semitones, a different gauge string is advised for best results.
• 5th String (A to D2): Tune down 7 semitones. This drop also exceeds 4 semitones, so a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 4th String (D to A2): Tune down 5 semitones. This drop exceeds 4 semitones, so a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 3rd String (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones. This drop exceeds 4 semitones, so a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 2nd String (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. Since this is a drop of 4 semitones, a different gauge string is generally advised for optimal tension.
• 1st String (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard pitch and no special consideration for gauge is needed.

String 6: A1 (Lowest String)
String 5: D2
String 4: A2
String 3: D3
String 2: G3
String 1: E4 (Highest String)