Tuning Analysis: D standard drop A/D

This is an exceptionally deep and wide-ranging guitar tuning, reaching into sub-bass frequencies with its lowest A1 and D2 strings. It's designed for a very heavy, downtuned sound, making it ideal for aggressive metal, drone, or experimental genres. The tuning's name, "D standard drop A/D - or A standard/ D standard hybrid," accurately reflects its extended low range and its unique blend of traditional drop tunings with significantly lower bass notes.

The original description "tool parabola tuning a whole step down basically" suggests an inspiration from the band Tool's distinct heavy and progressive soundscapes, known for their innovative use of low tunings and complex textures.

Technical Observations:

• Open Notes: A1-D2-C3-F3-A3-D4
• Overall Range: This tuning offers an expansive three-octave-and-a-perfect-fourth range, providing a vast sonic palette from deep rumble to clear melodic highs.
• Intervals: The intervals between the open strings (from low to high) are:
  • String 6 (A1) to String 5 (D2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 5 (D2) to String 4 (C3): Minor 7th (10 semitones) - This is a remarkably wide and unique interval, creating a distinct open space in the middle of the tuning.
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

Chordal and Melodic Opportunities:

• Power Chords: The lowest two strings (A1 and D2) are a perfect 4th apart, making open A and D power chords (A1-D2-A2 on strings 6, 5, and 4 fretted at 2) readily available and incredibly resonant. Moving up two frets on these strings would yield B power chords (B1-E2).
• Open Chord Voicings: The top four strings (C3-F3-A3-D4) form an open Cmaj7sus4 voicing (C, F, A, D). This allows for rich, ambient textures and suspended harmonies without needing to fret. By adjusting just a few fingers, you can easily access variations like Fmaj7sus2 or Am7.
• Unique Melodies: The significant Minor 7th interval between the D2 and C3 strings provides a challenging yet rewarding landscape for melodic exploration, allowing for widely spaced arpeggios and dissonant figures.
• Drone Potential: The deep A1 and D2 strings offer excellent drone potential, providing a solid foundation for intricate melodic lines on the higher strings.

How to Tune: D standard drop A/D

To achieve the 'D standard drop A/D' tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E2 to A1. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones from A2 to D2. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully, especially when making large adjustments, to avoid over-tightening or snapping strings.