This tuning, aptly named Drop A, plunges your guitar into a profoundly low and resonant sonic landscape. Designed for extreme heaviness and depth, it's a popular choice for genres like metal, djent, and progressive rock where a weighty, guttural sound is paramount. While the provided description mentions a 7-string and E1, the definitive notes provided are for a 6-string guitar with its lowest note at A1.

Technically, the tuning is A1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3. This is a comprehensive detuning, not just a simple 'drop' on the lowest string, as all strings are significantly altered from standard E tuning. The interval structure from the lowest string upwards is a Perfect 5th (A1-E2), followed by three Perfect 4ths (E2-A2, A2-D3, D3-G3), and then a Major 3rd (G3-B3). This pattern closely mirrors the interval relationships found in standard tuning (which is primarily Perfect 4ths with a Major 3rd between G and B) but shifted dramatically lower.

The open strings (A-E-A-D-G-B) form a rich, dark open resonance, creating something akin to an A Minor 9th Sus4 (Am9sus4) chord. Crucially, the lowest three strings (A1-E2-A2) offer a powerful open A5 chord, making single-finger power chords incredibly easy to execute. This facilitates fast, heavy riffing and chugging. However, the extreme detuning of all strings means that a much heavier string gauge is highly advisable to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, ensuring your guitar can handle these pitches effectively.

How to Tune to Drop A (A1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3)

This tuning involves significant detuning across all strings from standard E tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Due to the substantial drops, we strongly recommend using a heavier gauge string set to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.

• String 6 (Standard E2): Tune down 7 semitones to A1.
• String 5 (Standard A2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2.
• String 4 (Standard D3): Tune down 5 semitones to A2.
• String 3 (Standard G3): Tune down 5 semitones to D3.
• String 2 (Standard B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• String 1 (Standard E4): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.

Important Note: All strings are tuned down by 4 or more semitones. For optimal playability, tension, and intonation, using a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for extremely low tunings is highly recommended. Standard string gauges will likely feel too loose and may intonate poorly at these pitches.