This tuning, named "downtuned DIIV," is described as a baritone adaptation of a tuning used by the band DIIV in their track "Brown Paper Bag." This suggests a focus on deep, resonant, and expansive soundscapes, typical of shoegaze, dream pop, or alternative rock genres. The extremely low pitch across all strings will give the guitar a dark, thick, and weighty character, providing a powerful foundation for ambient textures or heavy riffing. The significant downward adjustments imply a desire for a slacker feel, sustained notes, and potentially a more percussive attack when needed, while maintaining rich harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to A1, E2, A2, C#4, F#4, G#4 (from lowest to highest). Analyzing the intervals:

• The lowest three strings (A1-E2-A2) form a powerful A5 (power chord) in the first two octaves, providing a very deep and resonant base.
• A significant jump occurs from the 4th string (A2) to the 3rd string (C#4), an interval of a Major Tenth (an octave plus a major third). This wide gap can be exploited for interesting voicings, making it easier to play chords with open low strings and higher melodies on the treble strings.
• The higher strings (C#4-F#4-G#4) feature standard intervals like a Perfect 4th (C#4 to F#4) but end with a Major 2nd (F#4 to G#4), which adds a distinct, bright, and slightly dissonant quality at the very top.

The full open tuning (A1-E2-A2-C#4-F#4-G#4) immediately creates a complex and rich harmonic structure. It contains the notes A, C#, E, F#, G#. This can be interpreted as an Amaj7add6(no5) with a #11, or more simply, an Amaj7 (A, C#, E, G#) with an added F# (the 6th/13th) and potentially #11 if D# is omitted and F# is considered as #11 related to A major scale. The presence of A (root), C# (Major 3rd), E (Perfect 5th), and G# (Major 7th) firmly establishes an A Major 7th tonality. The F# adds a lyrical, often Lydian or jazz-inflected quality. This rich open voicing makes drone notes and open-string riffs highly effective. Chords like open A Major and A Major 7th are readily available and resonant. Barring a single finger across any fret will yield a transposed version of this rich open chord structure, making it easy to create complex, shimmery, and ethereal chords up and down the neck, particularly in an A Lydian or A Major harmonic context. The distinct voicing also lends itself well to melodic playing where the open strings can ring out as a backdrop.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant changes from standard E-standard tuning. Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension.

• String 6 (lowest): Tune down 7 semitones to reach A1.
• String 5: Tune down 5 semitones to reach E2.
• String 4: Tune down 5 semitones to reach A2.
• String 3: Tune down 6 semitones to reach C#4.
• String 2: Tune down 5 semitones to reach F#4.
• String 1 (highest): Tune down 8 semitones to reach G#4.

Important Note on String Gauges: All strings in this tuning require changes exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down). For optimal playability, tone, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument, it is highly recommended to use a different string gauge set, specifically designed for baritone or significantly downtuned guitars.