Tuning Overview: Open A Add 4 (Root)

This is a rich and resonant open tuning, aptly named "Open A Add 4 (root)" because the lowest string provides the foundational 'A' note. It's a powerful and versatile tuning, often favored for its deep drone capabilities, making it excellent for blues, slide guitar, folk, and rock music. Unlike a simple open A major, this tuning incorporates the perfect 4th (D) and a very high major 3rd (C#), giving it a unique harmonic complexity that can sound both grounded and soaring.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to A1-E2-A2-D3-E3-C5#. Let's break down the intervals relative to the root 'A':

• String 6 (A1): The root note, establishing the tonic.
• String 5 (E2): A perfect fifth above the root.
• String 4 (A2): An octave above the root.
• String 3 (D3): A perfect fourth above the root. This is a distinguishing characteristic, moving away from a pure major triad.
• String 2 (E3): Another perfect fifth, two octaves above the lower E.
• String 1 (C5#): A major third above the root, but positioned very high, two octaves and a major third above the low A. This high C# adds a bright, shimmering quality rather than forming the core major chord shape directly within the lower strings.

When strummed open, this tuning produces an Aadd4 sound (A-C#-D-E), with the C# being particularly high. It's a chord that feels suspended yet powerful, full of harmonic interest. The strong A-E-A drone on the lower strings provides a solid foundation, while the D and high C# add color.

Chordal Possibilities:

• Open Strum: An Aadd4 type chord, powerful and rich, suitable for creating atmospheric drones or strong rhythmic foundations.
• Barre Chords: The most straightforward way to form major chords. By barring all six strings at any fret, you create a major chord whose root is at that fret on the 6th string. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret yields a B Major chord, while the 5th fret produces a D Major chord.
• Partial Chords: Experimenting with the lower three strings (A-E-A) offers a strong power chord/drone. Incorporating the 4th string (D) can lead to sus4 voicings or open, folky sounds. The high C# on the 1st string can be used selectively for melodic embellishments or to add a bright sparkle to chords.
• Slide Guitar: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for slide techniques. The open-string harmony allows for smooth, resonant glides across the frets, producing classic blues and rock slide sounds.

How to Tune:

To achieve "Open A Add 4 (Root)" from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advised to maintain tension and tone.
• String 5 (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advised to maintain tension and tone.
• String 4 (D to A2): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advised to maintain tension and tone.
• String 3 (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advised to maintain tension and tone.
• String 2 (B to E3): Tune down 7 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advised to maintain tension and tone.
• String 1 (High E to C5#): Tune down 3 semitones.

Always tune carefully and use a reliable tuner. For significant downward tuning changes (more than 4 semitones down or up), a different string gauge might provide better playability and intonation.

Open String Notes:

The notes for each open string are as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): A1
• String 5 (A): E2
• String 4 (D): A2
• String 3 (G): D3
• String 2 (B): E3
• String 1 (High E): C5#