Tuning Analysis: Alt Baritone Tuning

This is an "Alt Baritone Tuning" specifically designed for a Guitar, offering an exciting alternate sound on a baritone instrument, as described in the original tuning as an "alternate tuning on baritone guitar."

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning presents a powerful Open A Major chord. Strumming all open strings yields a full, resonant A Major, which is especially rich and deep on a baritone guitar. The low A1 on the 6th string provides a strong fundamental, while the various octaves and perfect fifths, culminating in the bright C4# on the 3rd string, create a harmonious and expansive soundscape. This tuning is ideal for players looking for a huge, sustaining chordal base, well-suited for heavy rhythm, drone-based music, or expansive soundscapes with a distinct baritone character.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to A1-E2-A2-C4#-E3-A3. This configuration explicitly spells out an A Major triad across multiple octaves:

• Root (A): Found on the 6th (A1), 4th (A2), and 1st (A3) strings.
• Perfect Fifth (E): Found on the 5th (E2) and 2nd (E3) strings.
• Major Third (C#): Found on the 3rd (C4#) string.

The intervals are structured as R-5-R-M3-5-R from low to high. This creates a highly versatile platform for chordal work. The wide range of the A Major chord (from A1 to A3) gives it incredible depth and shimmer, amplifying the baritone guitar's natural resonance. The C4# on the 3rd string stands out as a high point, adding definition to the Major quality within the overall lower register of the baritone.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open Chords: The most immediate benefit is the glorious A Major chord available on all open strings, providing an instant rich foundation.
• Barre Chords: Due to the Open A nature, simply barring all strings at any given fret will produce a Major chord whose root is determined by the fret number (e.g., 1st fret = A# Major, 2nd fret = B Major, etc.). This makes playing in different keys incredibly straightforward for major chords, maintaining the full, open chord voicing.
• Minor Chords: Minor chords are within easy reach. To achieve an A Minor, simply fret the 3rd string at the 2nd fret (changing C# to C natural). This pattern can be shifted up and down the neck to create minor chords in other keys.
• Other Chords: With the stable foundation of the Open A, more complex chords like A7, Am7, or sus chords can be formed with relatively minimal finger movements from the barre shapes or open positions, allowing for a diverse harmonic palette.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard baritone tuning. Please proceed with care and consider the use of an appropriate string gauge due to the substantial downward tuning for most strings (movements exceeding -4 semitones).

• 6th String: Tune down 7 semitones to A1.
• 5th String: Tune down 5 semitones to E2.
• 4th String: Tune down 5 semitones to A2.
• 3rd String: Tune down 6 semitones to C4#.
• 2nd String: Tune down 7 semitones to E3.
• 1st String: Tune down 7 semitones to A3.

Given that all strings require a drop of 5 or more semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for baritone open tunings to ensure proper intonation, tension, and to prevent string breakage or potential damage to your instrument from insufficient string tension.

6th String: Tune to A1

5th String: Tune to E2

4th String: Tune to A2

3rd String: Tune to C4#

2nd String: Tune to E3

1st String: Tune to A3