Verbal Analysis: A Deep and Expressive Soundscape

This tuning, aptly named "A Modal Deep Drop," plunges your guitar into a rich, deep, and somewhat dark sonic landscape. The exceptionally low A1 on the 6th string provides a powerful, almost baritone foundation, instantly grounding the entire instrument. This is not a conventional open chord tuning but rather a flexible and expressive modal palette that invites exploration. It lends itself beautifully to melancholic ballads, progressive rock, ambient soundscapes, or any genre that benefits from a profound, resonant character. The arrangement of notes fosters a sense of mystery and depth, allowing for intricate fingerstyle patterns and expansive arpeggios that would be challenging in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis: Intervals and Chordal Potential

The open strings for this tuning are A1-E2-C3-F3-A3-D4, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string. This is a significant departure from standard EADGBe tuning, with every string tuned down.

Intervallic Relationships (from lowest to highest string):

• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (E2): Perfect 5th (P5)
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (C3): Minor 6th (m6) or a descending Minor 3rd
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Major 3rd (M3)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th (P4)

The open strings contain the notes A, C, D, E, F, which collectively contribute to a modal sound, reminiscent of an A Phrygian or A Aeolian (natural minor) context but with a D instead of G.

Chords Easily Accessible in Open Position:

While not an open major or minor chord in its entirety, this tuning readily presents components of several common chords, making them easy to voice:

• A minor: The notes A, C, and E are present across strings 6, 4, 5, and 2 (A1, E2, C3, A3). Strumming these open strings can yield a full, resonant A minor sound.
• D minor: The notes D, F, and A are present across strings 1, 3, and 2 (D4, F3, A3). These can be easily voiced together, particularly the higher strings.
• F major: The notes F, A, and C are present across strings 3, 2, and 4 (F3, A3, C3). This allows for easy access to an F major triad.

The combination of these elements creates a versatile tuning for exploring modal harmonies and crafting unique sonic textures.

String 6: A1

String 5: E2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: A3

String 1: D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve this "A Modal Deep Drop" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string for the low E is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone, as movements exceeding 4 semitones can affect playability and intonation.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string for the A string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone, as movements exceeding 4 semitones can affect playability and intonation.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune carefully, especially when making large pitch changes, and ensure your instrument's neck relief is checked periodically with significant tuning alterations. For optimal performance with these deep drops, consider consulting a luthier.