The Dropped A tuning for Guitar is an exceptionally low and heavy tuning, perfectly suited for genres like Metal, Djent, and other forms of extreme music that demand a deep, resonant foundation.

Technically, this tuning sets the lowest string to A1, followed by E2, A2, D3, G3, and C4. What's particularly interesting is the interval structure: the 6th string (A1) forms a perfect fifth with the 5th string (E2). The remaining five strings (E2, A2, D3, G3, C4) are all tuned in perfect fourths relative to each other. This combination makes it a unique variant of 'Dropped A Standard' where the top five strings effectively form an all-fourths tuning (shifted down), with an additional low A. This setup offers immense sonic depth and makes open string chording very powerful.

Strumming all open strings yields an A minor 11 (Am11) chord (A, C, D, E, G), providing a rich, complex harmony without fretting. The presence of two A notes an octave apart (A1 and A2) on strings 6 and 4 allows for easy one-finger power chords across the lowest three strings, making chunky riffs and heavy chord voicings highly accessible.

How to Tune

To achieve this deep tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are highly recommended for proper tension.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. A heavier gauge string would be beneficial here.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. A heavier gauge string would be beneficial here.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. A heavier gauge string would be beneficial here.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.

Given that all strings are tuned down by 4 or more semitones, a much heavier string gauge set is strongly advised to maintain playability, intonation, and prevent excessive fret buzz.

String 6: A1

String 5: E2

String 4: A2

String 3: D3

String 2: G3

String 1: C4