The aptly named "Power A" tuning plunges your guitar into an exceptionally low and resonant soundscape, perfectly crafted for heavy, beatdown riffs and drone-laden sonic assaults. As described, it's a six-string powerhouse built for maximum impact, creating a deep, rumbling foundation that can truly shake the room. It shares a conceptual lineage with tunings like Ben Howard's CGCGGC, but drops everything an additional three semitones lower, pushing the boundaries of what a standard guitar can achieve.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to A1-E2-A2-E3-E3-A3, from lowest (6th) to highest (1st) string. This arrangement creates a massive, multi-octave A power chord (A5) right out of the gate. The intervals, relative to the low A (A1) on string 6, are: Root (A1), Perfect 5th (E2), Octave (A2), Perfect 5th (E3), Unison Perfect 5th (E3), and Octave (A3). The strategic doubling of the E note on strings 3 and 2, along with multiple A octaves, contributes to an incredibly thick and sustained drone potential.

Playability & Chord Voicings

"Power A" is designed for ease of creating powerful, heavy chords and riffs. The inherent A5 power chord on the open strings means that barring across all six strings at any given fret will instantly yield a robust power chord (e.g., barring at the 3rd fret creates a thunderous C5 chord, at the 5th fret a D5, and so on). This makes intricate chording less of a focus, instead promoting a style of play rich in heavy single-note lines, rhythmic chugging, and drone-based textures. The unison E notes on strings 3 and 2 can be exploited for unique harmonic voicings or sympathetic resonance effects. It's a tuning that rewards a strong, aggressive playing style and allows for immense sonic weight to be delivered with minimal effort.

How to Tune

Given the significant drop in pitch for all strings, with movements ranging from 3 to 7 semitones down, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge of strings to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent string floppiness. Tune your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones to E3.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 7 semitones to A3.

String 6: A1

String 5: E2

String 4: A2

String 3: E3

String 2: E3

String 1: A3