This guitar tuning, tentatively named 'Loathe Tuning', is an exceptionally low and heavy modification of standard tuning, specifically designed for aggressive and dark soundscapes often found in modern metal genres. It descends deeply into the bass register, with most strings tuned down significantly, requiring careful consideration for string gauge. The open string voicing creates a powerful, foundational rumble mixed with unique harmonic tensions, making it suitable for genres like djent or progressive metal where low end and dissonance are key.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is structured as A1-E2-A2-E3-D3-F#4 (low to high).
The root note of this tuning is a very low A, establishing it as a form of Drop A variant. The first four strings (A-E-A-E) provide a robust and easily accessible A5 power chord, ideal for heavy riffing and chugging. The intervals between these lower strings are:

• 6th String (A1) to 5th String (E2): Perfect 5th
• 5th String (E2) to 4th String (A2): Perfect 4th
• 4th String (A2) to 3rd String (E3): Perfect 5th

This creates a powerful, resonant low end. The upper two strings introduce a more complex harmonic texture:
The 3rd String (E3) to 2nd String (D3) forms a minor 2nd interval, a half-step descent, which inherently introduces a strong dissonance or tension. This can be used for cutting, aggressive melodic lines or thick, clashing chords.
The 2nd String (D3) to 1st String (F#4) forms a Major 3rd. When combined with the lower strings, the open tuning (A-E-A-E-D-F#) contains the notes A, E, D, and F#. This combination suggests an A(add4, add6) chord, or an A sus4 with an added major 6th, giving it a rich, somewhat suspended, and dark harmonic character rather than a straightforward major or minor tonality. This unique blend allows for both crushing power chords and intricate, dissonant voicings.

Chords and Playability

Due to the nature of this extreme drop tuning:

• Power Chords: The A-E-A-E structure on the lower strings makes forming massive 5th power chords (root, 5th, octave, 5th) extremely easy with a single finger, particularly useful for heavy rhythm guitar work and chugging riffs.
• Open Chord Voicings: The full open string chord is complex and resonant, lending itself to atmospheric or dissonant passages. Experimentation will reveal unique chord shapes that leverage the minor 2nd interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings for added tension.
• Melodic Potential: The tight interval between E3 and D3 on the middle strings offers opportunities for intense, almost clashing melodic phrases and leads, while the broader intervals on the lower strings provide a solid rhythmic foundation. This tuning excels in creating heavy, percussive riffs alongside more adventurous harmonic textures.

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Due to the significant pitch drops for most strings, using a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent potential string damage or poor playability.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 9 semitones to D3. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 10 semitones to F#4. (Heavier gauge string advised)