The 'Reverse Pair Baritone' tuning for Guitar is an exceptionally low-pitched setup, specifically designed for a baritone instrument to achieve deep, resonant tones. As described, this unique tuning reconfigures the traditional guitar intervals by creating perfect fifths (P5) between specific string pairs (A1-E2, G2-D3, E3-B3) where standard tuning typically has perfect fourths (P4). This deliberate 'reversal' of interval relationships, combined with a significant drop in pitch across all strings, positions it firmly in the heavy music and extended-range territory.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning notes for this 'Reverse Pair Baritone' configuration are A1-E2-G2-D3-E3-B3, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, every string is tuned down substantially, ranging from 5 to 7 semitones. This creates an overall sonic landscape that is dark, powerful, and ideal for extended-range exploration.

The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (E2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (G2): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (D3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (E3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 2 (E3) to String 1 (B3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

This varied interval structure, particularly the presence of three perfect fifths, lends itself to powerful, resonant chords and riffs. The prevalence of 5ths makes power chords easily achievable across the string pairs (6-5, 4-3, 2-1), offering a thick, driving sound ideal for rock, metal, and other heavy genres. The open notes themselves form an A-E-G-D-B collection, which hints at complex harmonic possibilities. Approached as an A root, it includes the perfect fifth (E), minor seventh (G), perfect fourth (D), and major ninth (B), suggesting a suspended or extended minor tonality (e.g., A minor 7th suspended 4th with an added 9th). While traditional open major/minor chords might not immediately present themselves, the unique intervals encourage exploration of new, expansive voicings and chord fragments, especially those built around perfect fifths, creating a vast sonic canvas.

How to Tune

Given the extreme changes from standard tuning (all strings are tuned down by 5 semitones or more), it is highly recommended to use heavier gauge strings specifically designed for baritone or dropped tunings. This will help maintain proper tension and intonation, and prevent potential damage to your instrument from excessive slack on standard gauge strings.

• String 6 (Low E Equivalent): Tune down 7 semitones from E2 to A1. (Heavier gauge string strongly advised)
• String 5 (A Equivalent): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. (Heavier gauge string strongly advised)
• String 4 (D Equivalent): Tune down 7 semitones from D3 to G2. (Heavier gauge string strongly advised)
• String 3 (G Equivalent): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Heavier gauge string strongly advised)
• String 2 (B Equivalent): Tune down 7 semitones from B3 to E3. (Heavier gauge string strongly advised)
• String 1 (High E Equivalent): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. (Heavier gauge string strongly advised)

The tuning notes for 'Reverse Pair Baritone' are:

• String 6: A1 (The lowest string, tuned to A in the first octave)
• String 5: E2 (The second lowest string, tuned to E in the second octave)
• String 4: G2 (The middle-low string, tuned to G in the second octave)
• String 3: D3 (The middle-high string, tuned to D in the third octave)
• String 2: E3 (The second highest string, tuned to E in the third octave)
• String 1: B3 (The highest string, tuned to B in the third octave)