Open A (aeaebe) Tuning Analysis

Welcome to the analysis of the "Open A (aeaebe)" tuning for your Guitar. This tuning, also known as the "Correct way to tune Open A (e to A)", transforms your standard guitar into a vibrant soundscape, perfect for blues, folk, and slide guitar styles.

Verbal & Technical Analysis

Open A (aeaebe) is a deeply resonant open tuning that immediately evokes a powerful, droning quality. When all strings are strummed open, the resultant sound is strongly anchored in the key of A. Technically, the open notes are A1-E2-A2-E3-B3-E4. This arrangement provides a rich harmonic texture, emphasizing the root (A) and fifth (E) across multiple octaves, with the notable addition of a B (the major second or ninth). While not a pure A major triad (A-C#-E) due to the absence of C# and the presence of B, it creates an A(no3)add9 or A5add9 chord. This specific voicing gives the tuning a unique bluesy, open-ended feel, making it incredibly versatile for slide work and melodic improvisation over a stable A drone. The repeated A and E notes create a wide sonic canvas, allowing for rich overtones and sustained sounds.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

• Open A(no3)add9: Strumming all strings open immediately gives you a full, resonant A(no3)add9 chord. This serves as your fundamental home chord for the tuning.
• Movable Major(no3)add9 Chords: The beauty of open tunings is the ease of creating other chords. By barring all six strings across any fret, you can effortlessly create other major(no3)add9 chords. For example, barring at the 2nd fret yields B(no3)add9, the 3rd fret gives C(no3)add9, and the 5th fret produces D(no3)add9. This makes transposition incredibly intuitive.
• Slide Guitar Heaven: The parallel nature of the open strings, particularly the low A-E-A-E, makes this tuning exceptional for slide guitar. Simple straight bars with a slide will deliver powerful major chords up and down the neck.
• Drones and Harmonies: The repeated octaves and fifths encourage the use of drones. Playing melodies on the higher strings while letting the lower strings ring out creates beautiful, layered harmonies.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open A (aeaebe)

To achieve the Open A (aeaebe) tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to A1. This is a significant drop and may require a heavier gauge string to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard A2 pitch to E2. This is a considerable drop and a heavier gauge string is advised for best results.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard D3 pitch to A2. Another substantial drop, for which a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard G3 pitch to E3. This is a moderate adjustment.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change from its standard B3 pitch (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change from its standard E4 pitch (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauges: For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, particularly for Strings 6, 5, and 4 in this tuning, using a different gauge string is strongly advised. This helps prevent string breakage, maintain proper intonation, and achieve comfortable playability and optimal tone.