Dondo-A Tuning Analysis

The Dondo-A Tuning is a remarkably deep and resonant tuning for guitar, designed to achieve a lower register and a rich, full sound. As its description suggests, it's for those who want to "go lower," taking the lowest string all the way down to A1, a full octave below standard E2.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately strikes one with its profound depth. The open strings create an incredibly resonant A major 7th chord (A-C#-E-G#) that rings out with a beautiful, complex harmony. The lower four strings (A1, E2, A2, E3) form a powerful and expansive A5 chord, perfect for heavy, droning riffs and rhythmic accompaniment. The addition of G4# and C5# on the higher strings fills out the major 7th harmony, offering a bright contrast to the deep foundation.

Musically, this tuning is fantastic for genres requiring a heavy, sustained low end, such as metal, doom, or ambient soundscapes. The built-in A major 7th chord makes it a great choice for jazz-fusion or even modern pop that leverages rich open voicings. Sliding simple barre shapes up and down the neck will instantly yield a full spectrum of major 7th chords, simplifying complex harmony for the player.

Chords that are easily accessible include:

• Open A Major 7th: The entire open tuning forms this chord (A-E-A-E-G#-C#), making it exceptionally easy to play and incredibly resonant.
• A5 Power Chord: By just strumming the lowest four strings (A1-E2-A2-E3), you get a massive, multi-octave A5 power chord, ideal for heavy rhythm.
• Moveable Major 7th Chords: Barring all strings at any fret will create a different Major 7th chord (e.g., barring at the 3rd fret would yield a C Major 7th chord).
• Chord Voicings: The unique string intervals allow for interesting voicings by fretting only a few strings, providing deep bass notes alongside bright, shimmering trebles.

Technical Analysis

The Dondo-A Tuning is configured as follows (low to high): A1, E2, A2, E3, G4#, C5#.

• Intervals from the root (A1):
  • String 6 (A1): Root (P1)
  • String 5 (E2): Perfect 5th (P5)
  • String 4 (A2): Octave (P8)
  • String 3 (E3): Perfect 5th + Octave (P12)
  • String 2 (G4#): Major 7th + Octave (M7 + P8)
  • String 1 (C5#): Major 3rd + Two Octaves (M3 + P15)
• The tuning is effectively an A Major 7th chord (A-C#-E-G#) spread across multiple octaves, creating immense harmonic density and resonance.
• The open fifths (A-E-A-E) on the lower strings provide a stable, powerful foundation.
• The choice of G# and C# on the higher strings completes the Major 7th sound, providing melodic brightness and harmonic complexity.

How to Tune

To achieve the Dondo-A Tuning from standard EADGBE, significant down-tuning is required. Please use an accurate tuner and proceed carefully, especially with the larger pitch changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones, we strongly advise considering a heavier gauge string set to maintain proper tension and intonation and to prevent potential damage to your guitar.

• String 6 (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Note: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.)
• String 5 (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Note: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.)
• String 4 (D to A2): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Note: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.)
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones to E3. (Care should be taken during tuning.)
• String 2 (B to G4#): Tune down 3 semitones to G4#. (Care should be taken during tuning.)
• String 1 (High E to C5#): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#. (Care should be taken during tuning.)

String 6: A1

String 5: E2

String 4: A2

String 3: E3

String 2: G4#

String 1: C5#