This is a formidable 7-string tuning, aptly named AEAC#EBC#, and is a variant of the "Drop A" tuning, deeply rooted in the progressive metal and djent scenes. It's notably associated with pioneering artists like Mark Holcomb, Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Adam "Nolly" Getgood, suggesting its suitability for heavy, articulate, and complex riffing.

Verbal Analysis: The moment you strike this open tuning, you're greeted with a massive, resonant sound. The incredibly low A1 on the 7th string provides a deep, guttural foundation, perfect for earth-shaking chugs and extended range exploration. The presence of C# notes throughout, particularly on the 4th and 1st strings, gives the tuning a brighter, more aggressive, and distinctly major tonality, distinguishing it from more purely intervallic or darker minor tunings. It feels powerful and expansive, inviting both heavy rhythmic patterns and melodic lead work, with a surprising harmonic richness for a low tuning.

Technical Analysis: The open strings are tuned to A1-E2-A2-C#4-E3-B3-C#5. This tuning presents several key features:

• The lowest three strings (7, 6, 5) are A1-E2-A2, forming a powerful, low A octave with a perfect fifth. This "drop" configuration allows for effortless one-finger power chords and open, resonant drone notes, ideal for heavy riffing.
• A significant characteristic is the open A Major chord formed across strings 5, 4, and 3 (A2-C#4-E3). This triad is readily available by simply strumming these strings, providing a rich harmonic anchor and making major key compositions naturally resonant.
• The inclusion of B3 on the 2nd string, combined with the A Major triad, suggests an inherent A Major 9th tonality (A-C#-E-B) within the open tuning, offering sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
• The C# notes on strings 4 and 1 (C#4 and C#5) strongly reinforce the A Major character, providing brightness and clarity, and potentially opening doors to Lydian-flavored melodies or extensions.

Open Chords & Shapes:

• Open A Major: Strumming strings 5, 4, and 3 will give you an A Major chord. Including string 7 (A1) and string 6 (E2) makes for an incredibly full and resonant A Major.
• Power Chords: The "drop A" nature on the lower strings (A1-E2-A2) allows for easy, heavy power chords by barring a single fret across strings 7, 6, and 5. For example, barring the 1st fret yields an A# power chord.
• Extended Voicings: The unique intervals, particularly the open A Major triad and the B note, encourage experimentation with open string voicings and complex chord shapes that leverage the natural resonance of the tuning. Moving standard chord shapes may yield interesting, unexpected inversions or extensions due to the shifted intervals.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "AEAC#EBC#" tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. The target note for each string is provided.

• String 7 (Lowest String) - Target Note: A1: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6 - Target Note: E2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 - Target Note: A2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 - Target Note: C4#: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3 - Target Note: E3: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 - Target Note: B3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (Highest String) - Target Note: C5#: Tune down 3 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauges: While the semitone adjustments for this specific tuning are generally within safe limits for standard string gauges (none exceed a change of 4 semitones up or down), it is a general best practice to consider using alternative string gauges if you plan to tune more than 4 semitones up or down in other tunings. This helps maintain optimal string tension and prevents potential string breakage or neck stress.