Ukulele Open A Fifths Tuning: A Deep Dive

This unique tuning transforms your tenor ukulele into a resonant soundscape, moving beyond traditional re-entrant or linear tunings. Named after its core intervallic structure, the 'Ukulele Open A Fifths' tuning leverages a specific Aquila string set to create a rich, expansive sound. It's an excellent choice for players looking to explore new harmonic territories, experiment with open chord voicings, or achieve a brighter, more sustaining tone.

Verbal Analysis:

The tuning establishes a strong foundation with the lower three strings (A2, E3, B3) arranged in perfect fifths. This creates a deep, resonant base, reminiscent of mandolin or violin family instruments, providing a full and sustained sonic bed. The highest string, F5#, is exceptionally bright and high, offering a shimmering, almost bell-like quality. This wide intervallic spread across the strings (especially the jump from B3 to F5#) gives the tuning an open, airy feel, allowing for clear individual notes within chords and interesting melodic lines. It’s a tuning that invites exploration, particularly for arpeggiated figures and drone-based compositions.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes are A2, E3, B3, F5#.

• 4th String (Lowest): A2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String (Highest): F5#

The intervals between the strings are:

• A2 to E3: A Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
• E3 to B3: A Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
• B3 to F5#: A Compound Augmented Fourth (an octave plus an augmented fourth, or 18 semitones, assuming F5# is the intended F#). This is an extremely wide interval, creating a significant jump in pitch.

When strummed open, the notes A, E, B, F# form an A major chord with an added 9th (B) and a major 6th (F#). This results in a rich Aadd6/9 (or A6/9) voicing, with the F5# providing a very high, bright extension. This open voicing is bright, full, and has a strong sense of major tonality.

Chords and Playability:

The sequential perfect fifths on the lower three strings make power chords and root-fifth voicings incredibly accessible. Simply barring across the lower strings at any fret will immediately yield a powerful, resonant sound. For instance, barring the 2nd fret across the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings will give you B-F#-C#, creating a Bsus2 or a B power chord. The open Aadd6/9 provides a beautiful starting point for songs in A major. The high F5# allows for easy access to extensions for chords rooted on A, E, or B, adding color and sparkle. While standard GCEA chord shapes will need to be re-learned, the logical intervallic structure opens up new, intuitive pathways for melodic and harmonic exploration, making advanced voicings potentially simpler to discover and execute.

Current Open String Notes:

4th String (Lowest): A2

3rd String: E3

2nd String: B3

1st String (Highest): F5#

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Ukulele Open A Fifths' tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with care, especially for larger semitone changes.

• 4th String (Lowest): Tune to A2. This string needs to be tuned down 5 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment. If your current string's pitch is much higher than D3, consider if a different gauge string is more suitable to avoid excessive looseness or breakage if tuning from a higher pitch.)
• 3rd String: Tune to E3. This string needs to be tuned down 3 semitones.
• 2nd String: Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (Highest): Tune to F5#. This string needs to be tuned up 2 semitones.