The '516 Tuning' - A Deep, Resonant Soundscape

The '516 Tuning' is a profoundly low and unique guitar tuning, diverging significantly from standard EADGBe. As described, it's a modification of a "Jules Tuning" that's taken 5 steps down, with further specific adjustments to the 1st, 5th, and 6th strings. The result is a dark, resonant, and highly atmospheric sound that encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

Verbal Analysis

Upon strumming the open strings of the '516 Tuning', you'll immediately notice its exceptionally low register. The 6th string, tuned to A1, plunges the instrument into baritone territory, creating a thick, sustained foundation. The overall sonic character is one of depth and introspection, leaning towards heavy rock, metal, ambient soundscapes, or experimental genres. The intervals between strings are non-standard, particularly the drop from the 3rd to the 2nd string (C#4 to F3), which creates an unexpected, almost dissonant tension or a unique melodic possibility. This tuning is not designed for easy major or minor open chords but rather for complex voicings, drones, and melodic lines that leverage its unique intervallic structure.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the '516 Tuning' are as follows, from lowest (6th string) to highest (1st string):

• 6th String: A1 (A in the 1st octave)
• 5th String: E2 (E in the 2nd octave)
• 4th String: G#3 (G-sharp in the 3rd octave)
• 3rd String: C#4 (C-sharp in the 4th octave)
• 2nd String: F3 (F in the 3rd octave)
• 1st String: A3 (A in the 3rd octave)

Analyzing the intervals from the 6th string (A1) upwards:

• A1 to E2: Perfect 5th
• E2 to G#3: Major 3rd (across an octave)
• G#3 to C#4: Perfect 4th
• C#4 to F3: Minor 3rd downwards – a highly unconventional interval, making for a unique harmonic texture.
• F3 to A3: Major 3rd

The open strings present the notes A, E, G#, C#, F. While not forming a simple common chord, the dominant root is clearly A (A1, A3), with a strong perfect fifth (E2). The presence of G# (major 7th) and C# (major 3rd) suggests elements of an A Major 7th chord. However, the F3 (minor 6th from A) creates a unique dissonance, forming an A Major 7(b6) voicing. This complex open sound is ideal for atmospheric pads, unusual arpeggios, and driving power chords on the lower strings (e.g., A1-E2 creates a strong power fifth). The unusual string relationships encourage unique fingerings and voicings, pushing players out of standard shapes into new sonic territories.

How to Tune to '516 Tuning'

To achieve the '516 Tuning' from standard EADGBe tuning, you will need to make significant adjustments to all strings. Please proceed with caution, especially with the large semitone drops. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge of string is generally advised to maintain optimal tension and prevent damage to your instrument or strings.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. This is a substantial drop.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a significant drop.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. This is a substantial drop.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. This is a substantial drop.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3. This is a substantial drop.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. This is a substantial drop.

Due to all strings being tuned down by 5 semitones or more, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge of strings specifically designed for dropped tunings to maintain proper string tension and intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.

The '516 Tuning' for Guitar sets the strings to the following notes, from thickest to thinnest:

• 6th String: A1
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: G#3
• 3rd String: C#4
• 2nd String: F3
• 1st String: A3