This unique "Drop A Alternate" tuning for the Guitar was created by the user after an initial misunderstanding of a song's required tuning. While aiming for Drop A, the resulting sound of these altered notes resonated, leading to its adoption. This creative approach highlights how experimentation can lead to distinctive and inspiring musical textures.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes A1-F2-A2-D3-G3-C4, moving from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. This is a significantly low and unconventional tuning, diverging sharply from standard E Standard. The immediate observations are:

• Deep Foundation: The lowest string is tuned down to A1, providing an exceptionally deep and resonant foundation, characteristic of "Drop A" tunings, ideal for heavy riffs and downtempo genres.
• Octave A: The presence of A1 on the 6th string and A2 on the 4th string creates a powerful octaval root, enhancing the sense of a low A.
• Unique Intervals: Unlike traditional tunings, the open strings do not form a simple major or minor chord. The notes A, F, A, D, G, C create a rich, somewhat dissonant, but intriguing soundscape. From the lowest A, the intervals include a minor third (C), a perfect fourth (D), a minor sixth (F), and a minor seventh (G).
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • A Minor Blues/Extended: The presence of A, C, D, F, G, A suggests an A minor tonality with bluesy extensions (the F and G functioning as b6 and b7).
  • D Minor Triad: The middle strings (F2, A2, D3) can easily form a D minor triad (D-F-A) in first inversion.
  • C Major/Gsus4 Elements: The top three strings (D3, G3, C4) contain the notes for a C major triad without the E, or elements of a Gsus4 (G-C-D).
  • Open String Resonance: While not forming a standard chord, the open strings together offer a dark, complex cluster. Simple one-finger barres across multiple strings higher up the neck would yield unique, often heavy, and atmospheric voicings.
  • Power Chords: The low A string naturally lends itself to heavy power chords, especially with the A an octave higher on the 4th string.
• Creative Potential: This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, offering a fresh palette for songwriters seeking deep, moody, or experimental sounds.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve "Drop A Alternate" from standard E Standard tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E2 to A1. Due to the significant change, a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones from D3 to A2. Due to the significant change, a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Due to the significant change, a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4.

Please note that tuning strings significantly up or down (exceeding 4 semitones) may require adjusting string gauge for proper intonation and playability, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

6th String: A1 (The lowest string, providing a deep, resonant bass note.)

5th String: F2 (A lower midrange note, adding a minor 6th interval relative to the 6th string's A.)

4th String: A2 (An octave above the 6th string, reinforcing the low A root.)

3rd String: D3 (A perfect 4th above the 4th string's A, or a perfect 5th from the 5th string's F.)

2nd String: G3 (A minor 7th above the 4th string's A, creating a bluesy or dominant flavor.)

1st String: C4 (A minor 3rd above the 2nd string's G, forming part of a C major or A minor chord.)