The "Drop A alternate tuning," as described by its creator for use in "fallingwithscissors's songs," is a deeply resonant and powerful low-end tuning for the guitar. It's designed to deliver a heavy, atmospheric, and unique sonic landscape, departing significantly from standard tunings to create a distinctive character often favored in metal, progressive rock, or experimental genres. This tuning pushes the boundaries of conventional guitar sounds, offering a fresh palette for creativity.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to A1 E2 B2 E3 A3 D4, representing a significant drop from standard EADGBe. This creates a very low fundamental tone centered around A. Let's examine the intervals between the open strings from thickest to thinnest:

• 6th String (A1) to 5th String (E2): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• 5th String (E2) to 4th String (B2): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• 4th String (B2) to 3rd String (E3): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
• 3rd String (E3) to 2nd String (A3): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (D4): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).

This sequence of two perfect fifths followed by three perfect fourths provides a robust and inherently powerful voicing. The open strings together contain the notes A, B, D, and E. Interpreted from the lowest A, this forms an A(add4)(add9) chord (A, B, D, E), also known as an A(sus2,4). This chord is neither strictly major nor minor, offering a wide, open, and slightly dissonant yet harmonically rich sound. The prominent perfect fourths allow for easy creation of power chords or suspended voicings by simply barring across frets, with the lower perfect fifths adding immense depth and guttural impact. This tuning is excellent for heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and exploring harmonies outside of traditional major/minor frameworks.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String: A1 (The lowest, thickest string)
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4 (The highest, thinnest string)

How to Tune:

To achieve this Drop A alternate tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note the significant drops in pitch, especially for the lower strings.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for better performance.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.