Tuning Analysis: AEAGBE

The AEAGBE tuning is a truly distinctive and powerful setup, accurately described as a "hybrid tuning of drop A on the bottom strings and E standard on the top." This configuration marries the deep, resonant power of ultra-low tunings with the familiarity and versatility of standard E, creating a wide sonic landscape suitable for everything from brutal metal riffs to intricate melodic passages.

Technical Breakdown:

The tuning notes, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, are A1-E2-A2-G3-B3-E4. This means the lowest E string is tuned down a full perfect fifth to A1, the A string is tuned down a perfect fourth to E2, and the D string is tuned down a perfect fourth to A2. Remarkably, the top three strings (G, B, and high E) remain precisely at their standard E-standard pitches: G3, B3, and E4. The resulting interval structure between strings is: Perfect 5th (A1-E2), Perfect 4th (E2-A2), Minor 3rd (A2-G3), Major 3rd (G3-B3), and Perfect 4th (B3-E4).

Open Chords and Playability:

• Open A Power Chord: The most immediate benefit is the massive open A5 power chord available by simply strumming the lowest three strings (A1, E2, A2). This makes for incredibly heavy and easy riffing – simply barre across these three strings at any fret to instantly create a moveable power chord. For example, the 3rd fret yields a C5, the 5th fret a D5, and the 7th fret an E5.
• Standard Upper Register: The unaltered G3-B3-E4 on the top three strings means that all your familiar melodic patterns, scales, and higher-register chord shapes from E standard tuning remain perfectly usable. This provides a versatile counterpoint to the low-end power, allowing for expressive lead playing or shimmering arpeggios.
• Unique Voicings: When all six strings are strummed open, the resulting chord is an intriguing A minor 7sus4 (A1-E2-A2-G3-B3-E4). The low A-E-A provides a solid root and fifth, while the G3 acts as a b7, and the B3 and E4 create a rich, open-voiced cluster that can lend itself to atmospheric textures or complex harmonic ideas.
• Split Personality: This tuning excels in scenarios where you need both a crushing low-end foundation for rhythm guitar and an agile, standard-tuned upper register for solos or intricate melodies, effectively giving your guitar a 'two-in-one' capability.

How to Tune:

To set your guitar to AEAGBE from standard EADGBe tuning, proceed with caution and follow these instructions carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. This is a very significant drop. Tuning down more than 4 semitones can cause the string to become very slack, leading to poor tone and intonation. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to maintain proper tension and playability.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a substantial drop of a perfect fourth. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended here to prevent floppiness and ensure good tone.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Similar to the 5th string, this perfect fourth drop will greatly benefit from a heavier gauge string to achieve optimal performance and clarity.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E4.