This "A major" tuning, specifically described for a "guitarra de golpe", is a fascinating transposition of standard guitar tuning. Rather than an open chord tuning, it represents a standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) shifted up a perfect fourth across all strings, resulting in A-D-G-B-E-A. This approach offers a familiar feel with a distinctly brighter and higher-pitched sonic character.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are A2-D2-G3-B3-E4-A4. Technically, this is an "A Standard" tuning. The relative intervals between the strings are maintained identically to standard E tuning: perfect fourths between the 6th and 5th (A-D), 5th and 4th (D-G), and 2nd and 1st (E-A) strings, and a major third between the 4th and 3rd (G-B) strings. This consistent interval structure ensures that all chord shapes, scale patterns, and arpeggios learned in standard E tuning are directly transferable to this A Standard tuning. The overall tessitura is significantly higher, providing a brighter, more cutting sound that can be particularly effective in ensemble settings or for specific musical genres where a higher-pitched guitar sound is desired.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

While the open strings themselves (A-D-G-B-E-A) do not form a simple major or minor triad, the real advantage of this tuning lies in its direct correspondence to standard tuning. Any chord shape you know in standard EADGBe tuning will immediately produce a chord a perfect fourth higher. For instance:

• A standard open E major chord shape (022100) will now yield an A major chord.
• A standard open A major chord shape (X02220) will now yield a D major chord.
• A standard open D major chord shape (XX0232) will now yield a G major chord.

This makes the tuning incredibly intuitive for any guitarist familiar with standard tuning, allowing for immediate access to a vast array of chords and melodies in a higher register without having to learn new fingerings.

How to Tune (from E Standard)

To achieve this A Standard tuning from a standard E-A-D-G-B-E setup, follow these string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones to A2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 5 semitones to G3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 5 semitones to E4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 5 semitones to A4.

Important Note: Significant changes in string tension can affect your guitar's playability and intonation. Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones, or down more than 4 semitones, generally requires careful attention. As most of these strings are being tuned up by 4 or 5 semitones, and one is tuned down by 7 semitones, it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string set to avoid excessive tension on the neck (for strings tuned significantly up) or to maintain playability and sustain (for strings tuned significantly down). Consult a luthier if you have concerns.

String 6: A2

String 5: D2

String 4: G3

String 3: B3

String 2: E4

String 1: A4