ADGBE: The Extended Baritone Sound

This unique 5-string guitar tuning, named ADGBE, offers an exciting sonic landscape, especially for players looking to expand the low end of their instrument. As the tuning description suggests, it's conceived for those who appreciate the rich bass foundation often found in baritone ukes or who find standard 6-string guitar configurations a bit much. By adding a low A string and focusing on a 5-string setup, this tuning provides a powerful, deep voice while retaining familiar intervals on the upper strings.

Verbal Analysis:

Imagine the feel of a standard guitar's top four strings (DGBE) but with a commanding, resonant A string taking the place of your lowest note. This configuration is perfect for adding a serious "bottom end" to your playing, allowing for incredibly full power chords and deep bass lines that sit well below typical guitar ranges. It's a fantastic choice for rock, metal, or any genre where a thick, driving low register is desired. The familiar DGBE sequence on the upper strings means that many standard chord shapes and scales remain accessible, making the transition relatively smooth for experienced players while offering a new foundation for exploration.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning is structured as follows from lowest to highest string: A2 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4.

• Intervals: The intervals between strings are:
  • A2 to D3: Perfect Fourth
  • D3 to G3: Perfect Fourth
  • G3 to B3: Major Third
  • B3 to E4: Perfect Fourth
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open Chords: While not a dedicated "open chord" tuning, the ADGBE configuration allows for resonant open voicings. For instance, an open A minor chord can be played with a very strong root on the lowest string, using familiar shapes from the D string upwards (e.g., 0-0-2-2-1 on A-D-G-B-E). Similarly, open D major can benefit from the low A as a pedal tone or root, adding depth.
  • Power Chords: This tuning excels at power chords, particularly those rooted on A and D. A common three-finger power chord shape (Root-5th-Octave) becomes incredibly robust on the lowest strings. For example, an A5 chord can be played with the low A string open.
  • Familiarity: The D-G-B-E section mirrors the top four strings of a standard guitar, meaning many chord shapes and scale patterns are instantly transferable to these strings, making the learning curve for the upper register minimal. The challenge and opportunity lie in integrating the new low A string to create fuller, deeper arrangements.

This tuning is ideal for musicians looking for an expanded bass range without committing to a full 6-string baritone, offering a compelling blend of depth and familiar playability.

Tuning Notes Breakdown:

String 5 (Lowest): Tuned to A2. This is your new foundational string, providing a deep, resonant bass note.

String 4: Tuned to D3. A perfect fourth above the lowest A string, giving you the second string of a standard guitar's lowest four.

String 3: Tuned to G3. A perfect fourth above the D string, continuing the standard guitar intervals.

String 2: Tuned to B3. A major third above the G string, matching the familiar interval found on standard guitar.

String 1 (Highest): Tuned to E4. A perfect fourth above the B string, completing the familiar top four strings of a standard guitar.

How to Tune:

This tuning describes a specific 5-string configuration, and the provided movements indicate that these are the target notes. You should tune your 5-string guitar directly to these specified pitches, ideally using a reliable electronic tuner.

• String 5: Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change from the target note (0 semitones).
• String 4: Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change from the target note (0 semitones).
• String 3: Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change from the target note (0 semitones).
• String 2: Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change from the target note (0 semitones).
• String 1: Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change from the target note (0 semitones).

Since this tuning effectively defines the notes for a 5-string instrument, if you are converting a standard 6-string guitar to a 5-string for this tuning, you would typically remove the lowest E string (or keep it slack if you plan to return to 6-string) and then tune the remaining 5 strings as specified. If using a dedicated 5-string instrument, simply tune to the target notes. Pay attention to string gauge if you are significantly altering the tension from standard configurations, though the notes here are generally within typical ranges for a 5-string bass-like setup on a guitar scale length.