A Reverse Standard Tuning: Unveiling a Mirror Image of Sound

The "A Reverse Standard" tuning, also known as Mirror Tuning® or "New Conventional Tuning" (NCT), offers a compelling and innovative approach to guitar playing. As its name suggests, this tuning effectively mirrors standard guitar tuning, inverting the familiar chord and scale shapes and opening up a unique sonic landscape. It is particularly noted for its use with nylon string guitars (regular tension) or mini electrics, suggesting a preference for clarity and perhaps less string tension for the upward tunings.

Technical Analysis: A Stack of Fifths

From a technical perspective, the A Reverse Standard tuning presents a fascinating arrangement of notes:

• String 6: A1 (Lowest String)
• String 5: E2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: D4
• String 1: A4 (Highest String)

The open string intervals, from lowest to highest, are primarily Perfect Fifths (P5), which is a striking departure from standard tuning's mix of Perfect Fourths and a Major Third:

• A1 to E2: Perfect Fifth (P5)
• E2 to C3: Minor Sixth (m6)
• C3 to G3: Perfect Fifth (P5)
• G3 to D4: Perfect Fifth (P5)
• D4 to A4: Perfect Fifth (P5)

This extensive use of Perfect Fifths creates a powerful, resonant, and open sound. The consistent interval pattern on the higher strings (C-G-D-A) will simplify chord shapes and melodic runs within that range, similar to how standard tuning's D-G-B-E (mostly P4ths) works.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

The open strings of this tuning (A1-E2-C3-G3-D4-A4) immediately form a rich and complex chord:

• A (Root, String 6 & 1)
• E (Perfect 5th, String 5)
• C (Minor 3rd, String 4)
• G (Minor 7th, String 3)
• D (Perfect 4th / 11th, String 2)

When played open, these notes create a full A minor 11 (Am11) chord (A-C-E-G-D). This provides a dark, sophisticated, and deeply resonant foundation for any piece. The presence of the D (11th) adds a jazzy or suspended quality. This tuning allows for immediate access to complex harmony without fretting a single note, making it excellent for ambient textures, fingerstyle, or even rhythm guitar where a rich open voicing is desired.

Because of the consistent Perfect Fifth intervals on four of the strings, power chords (root-fifth) will be incredibly easy to form by simply barring across these strings at any fret. Triads and other chords will require re-learning, as the shapes are "flipped upside down" from standard. This invites exploration and a fresh perspective on the fretboard, potentially leading to new melodic and harmonic ideas that are difficult or impossible in standard tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar to A Reverse Standard

To achieve the A Reverse Standard tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard E-A-D-G-B-E as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and ensure optimal tone and tension.

String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, tune to A1. Movement: Tune down 7 semitones. A different gauge string is advised due to the significant change.
String 5 (A): From standard A2, tune to E2. Movement: Tune down 5 semitones. A different gauge string is advised due to the significant change.
String 4 (D): From standard D3, tune to C3. Movement: Tune down 2 semitones.
String 3 (G): From standard G3, tune to G3. Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
String 2 (B): From standard B3, tune to D4. Movement: Tune up 3 semitones. Take care as tuning up 3 semitones can increase tension significantly.
String 1 (High E): From standard E4, tune to A4. Movement: Tune up 5 semitones. A different gauge string is advised due to the significant change.