Description of Fader's Deep A Tuning

The "Fader's Deep A" tuning plunges your guitar into a realm of immense depth and resonance, originating from an experimental "Drop Aish 9ish" concept described by its creator. This tuning transforms the instrument into a powerhouse capable of producing exceptionally low and weighty sounds, ideal for genres requiring heavy riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, or intricate, wide-interval voicings.

Verbal Analysis

Verbally, the open strings of Fader's Deep A present a formidable sound. With the lowest string at a rumbling A1, it immediately suggests a landscape of doom, sludge, or progressive metal. The overall sonic character is dark and brooding, yet with the potential for surprising harmonic complexity. The open notes (A1 E2 G2 D3 G3 B3) do not form a simple major or minor chord, but rather suggest an expansive A minor 7 (add 9, add 11) voicing without a defining third (C). This absence of a clear major/minor third allows for versatility, letting the player imply tonality through context.

The tuning naturally lends itself to powerful, thick voicings. The A1-E2 interval on the bottom two strings forms a perfect fifth, an excellent foundation for crushing power chords. The G2-D3-G3 on the middle strings offers a robust G power chord with an octave, which, when combined with the lower A, creates a rich, complex sonority. The highest string, B3, adds a bright, slightly dissonant yet intriguing major 9th over the A, or a major 3rd over the G, opening up possibilities for unique lead lines and arpeggios that cut through the low-end density. Chords played by barring across the strings will result in unusual clusters and harmonic densities, encouraging exploration beyond conventional shapes. This tuning is perfect for those looking to create vast, open-sounding chords with a heavy, resonant core.

Technical Analysis

Technically, Fader's Deep A tuning sets the guitar strings from low to high as: A1 – E2 – G2 – D3 – G3 – B3. This is a highly altered tuning from standard E.

• The 6th string is tuned to A1 (a full octave and a perfect fourth below standard E2).
• The 5th string is tuned to E2 (a perfect fourth below standard A2).
• The 4th string is tuned to G2 (a perfect fourth below standard D3).
• The 3rd string is tuned to D3 (a perfect fourth below standard G3).
• The 2nd string is tuned to G3 (a minor third below standard B3).
• The 1st string is tuned to B3 (a perfect fourth below standard E4).

The intervals between adjacent strings, from low to high, are:

• 6th to 5th (A1 to E2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 5th to 4th (E2 to G2): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• 4th to 3rd (G2 to D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 3rd to 2nd (D3 to G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 2nd to 1st (G3 to B3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)

This irregular pattern of intervals creates a unique harmonic landscape, diverging significantly from standard tuning and even most drop tunings. It emphasizes fourths and fifths in the middle, providing strong foundational voicings, while the minor third and major third intervals elsewhere add harmonic color and stretch.

How to Tune to Fader's Deep A

This tuning involves significant down-tuning across all strings from standard EADGBe. Due to the large drops in pitch for every string, it is highly recommended to use a much heavier gauge string set than standard to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument's neck.

• 6th String (Original E2): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: This is a substantial drop; a much heavier gauge string is advised.
• 5th String (Original A2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised.
• 4th String (Original D3): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. Caution: This is a substantial drop; a much heavier gauge string is advised.
• 3rd String (Original G3): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised.
• 2nd String (Original B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised.
• 1st String (Original E4): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised.

6th String: A1

5th String: E2

4th String: G2

3rd String: D3

2nd String: G3

1st String: B3