The A Modal tuning for guitar is an innovative and expansive approach, directly inspired by the popular cittern tuning CGCGC. This tuning creates an extended-range "Open A" experience, effectively transforming a standard six-string guitar into an instrument with nearly the sonic breadth of an eight-string, yet maintaining a more compact note layout and intuitive scale access compared to other extended-range tunings like all-fifths.

Verbal Analysis:

• With its remarkably low A1 on the 6th string, this tuning offers a profoundly resonant and rich sonic foundation. The open strings present a powerful, droning quality, making it exceptionally well-suited for modal compositions, ambient textures, and heavy, rhythmic styles.
• The arrangement of notes fosters a strong sense of harmony centered around the A root, providing a vast canvas for creative exploration without being initially locked into a major or minor tonality. It naturally encourages open voicings and allows for expressive melodic lines to be played over the ringing open strings, creating a full and immersive soundscape.

Technical Analysis:

• The core of this tuning lies in its unique intervallic structure: an alternating pattern of perfect fourths and perfect fifths. Starting from the lowest string (A1), the intervals ascend as follows: A1 (Perfect 5th up) E2 (Perfect 4th up) A2 (Perfect 5th up) E3 (Perfect 4th up) A3 (Perfect 5th up) E4. This symmetrical pattern creates a highly coherent and musical fretboard logic.
• When strummed open, the tuning resolves to a powerful Open A5 Power Chord (A-E-A-E-A-E). This provides an incredibly solid and resonant foundation for genres spanning rock, metal, folk, or ambient music where a strong, root-fifth harmony is desired.
• The absence of a major or minor third in the open strings allows for significant modal flexibility. By simply fretting a C (minor third) or C# (major third) on any of the open A strings, you can instantly establish an A minor or A major tonality, respectively, without disrupting the underlying drone. This makes it a truly versatile modal tuning.
• Chords are highly accessible due to the stacked octaves and fifths. Barre chords will naturally yield variations of A5 power chords, but by simply moving a single finger, you can achieve rich open voicings of A minor, A major, or various modal chords. For instance, a basic A minor triad (A-C-E) can be easily formed by fretting a C on an open A string and keeping the E strings open. The consistent pattern makes inversions and different voicings intuitive to find.
• The extended low range, starting at A1 (a perfect fifth below standard E2), gives the instrument a remarkable depth, pushing the boundaries of what a six-string guitar can achieve, similar to what one would expect from an extended-range guitar, while the high E4 string retains familiar lead possibilities.

The A Modal tuning sets your guitar strings to the following notes:

• 6th String (Low E): A1
• 5th String (A): E2
• 4th String (D): A2
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune to A Modal from Standard EADGBe:

To achieve the A Modal tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone and prevent string damage.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone and prevent string damage.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone and prevent string damage.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Remember to always tune carefully, especially when making large adjustments to the string tension, to avoid string breakage or potential damage to your instrument. If you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods, considering a professional setup with appropriate string gauges is highly advisable for optimal playability and intonation.