This 6-string guitar tuning, drawing inspiration from the aggressive, extended-range sound pioneered by artists like Josh Travis (known for his work with Emmure, Glass Cloud, and The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza), offers a truly profound and deep sonic landscape. It's masterfully designed to achieve a baritone guitar feel on a standard 6-string, pushing the instrument's low end significantly. This setup promises crushing, articulate riffs and rich, complex harmonic textures, making it ideal for djent, heavy metal, and atmospheric soundscapes. While the creator sometimes plays it a semitone lower (GDGBDE), our analysis focuses on the specified A1 E2 A2 C4# E3 F5# configuration.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning A1 E2 A2 C4# E3 F5# is harmonically sophisticated, largely presenting an A Major 6th chord across its strings, powerfully anchored by a massive low A octave. Let's explore its structure:

• The lowest three strings (A1, E2, A2) form a formidable, resonant A5 power chord, providing a colossal, tight foundation crucial for heavy riffing and impact.
• The 3rd string, C4#, introduces the major third of A, unequivocally establishing an A major tonality within the tuning.
• The 2nd string, E3, reinforces the perfect fifth of A, adding depth and sustain to the chordal voicings.
• The 1st string, F5#, completes the harmony by adding the major sixth. This results in an open A Major 6th chord (A-C#-E-F#) being readily available without fretting.

This arrangement facilitates immediate access to open A Major 6th chords, while standard A major, A minor, and power chords are easily achievable with minimal finger adjustments. The extended downward range is exceptionally well-suited for impactful breakdowns and thick, layered textures, allowing for deep, resonant chugs. Simultaneously, the upper strings maintain melodic and harmonic complexity, providing versatility within the A major framework.

Tuning Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): A1
• String 5 (A): E2
• String 4 (D): A2
• String 3 (G): C4#
• String 2 (B): E3
• String 1 (High E): F5#

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe):

This tuning involves substantial changes from standard EADGBe. When tuning a string more than 4 semitones up or down, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge. This helps maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevents premature string breakage or damage to your guitar.

• String 6 (Standard E2): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• String 5 (Standard A2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• String 4 (Standard D3): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• String 3 (Standard G3): Tune down 6 semitones to C4#. Caution: This is a significant drop. Please note that G3 tuned down 6 semitones typically results in C#3 (an octave lower). Ensure you accurately reach the target C4#. A heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 2 (Standard B3): Tune down 7 semitones to E3. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• String 1 (Standard E4): Tune up 2 semitones to F5#. Note: E4 tuned up 2 semitones typically results in F#4 (an octave lower). Ensure you accurately reach the target F5#.