AEBEGB Tuning: A Deep Dive

Verbal Analysis

This unique custom tuning, aptly named "AEBEGB" by its creator, truly offers a distinctive sonic landscape. As described, it's designed to make power chords accessible with simplified fingerings on specific string pairs (1st+2nd and 2nd+3rd strings), allowing for easy transitions and powerful riffs. The creator notes that "for dropping, you do not need do anything," suggesting an inherent suitability for heavy, low-end sounds without further adjustments to the overall tuning. The tuning's open string combination creates a rich, resonant drone, leaning towards an Am7sus2(add9) tonality (A, E, B, G). This suggests a versatile tuning suitable for genres that benefit from open, ringing chords, sustained notes, and the ability to easily generate low power chords, such as alternative rock, metal, or ambient music.

Technical Analysis

The AEBEGB tuning consists of the notes: A1 - E2 - B2 - E3 - G3 - B3 (from low E to high E string, standard notation). Let's examine the intervals between adjacent open strings:

• 6th to 5th String (A1 to E2): Perfect Fifth (P5)
• 5th to 4th String (E2 to B2): Perfect Fifth (P5)
• 4th to 3rd String (B2 to E3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• 3rd to 2nd String (E3 to G3): Minor Third (m3)
• 2nd to 1st String (G3 to B3): Major Third (M3)

The immediate presence of perfect fifths on the lowest two string pairs (6-5 and 5-4) means that standard power chord shapes are highly accessible and resonant in the lower register. This directly supports the creator's aim for easy power chord construction. The open notes (A, E, B, E, G, B) form a complex chord, essentially an A minor 7 chord with added B notes (the 9th), which can be interpreted as A7sus2(add9). This provides a full, slightly dark, and resonant sound when strummed open, and offers a strong foundation for exploring modal harmonies or blues-rock voicings. The duplicate notes (E2 and E3, B2 and B3) create natural octave or unison relationships, adding to the richness and sustain of chords. Simple two-finger shapes can yield powerful results, and the overall open character of the tuning invites drone-based playing and experimental compositions.

How to Tune Your Guitar to AEBEGB

To achieve the AEBEGB tuning, you will need to adjust each string from standard E Standard tuning as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.)

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 4 semitones), it is generally advised to use a different gauge string. This helps maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevents potential damage to your guitar's neck or bridge. For this AEBEGB tuning, strings 6, 5, 2, and 1 all require significant downward adjustments (4 semitones or more), so a heavier gauge set is highly recommended for the best playing experience and guitar health.

Open String Notes

• 6th String (Low E): A1
• 5th String (A): E2
• 4th String (D): B2
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): G3
• 1st String (High E): B3