Tuning Analysis: A Deep Alternative Drop

This unique tuning, originally named "A alternative" by its creator, offers an exceptionally deep and unconventional sonic landscape for the guitar. It's characterized by significant drops across almost all strings, venturing into very low registers that promise a heavy, brooding, or atmospheric sound.

Verbal Description

This tuning feels remarkably loose and resonant, designed for players seeking extreme low-end capabilities beyond standard drop tunings. The creator noted its distinctiveness, stating, "I made this tuning and have never seen someone play in it." It fosters a sense of raw power and can be particularly effective for heavy riffs, drones, or experimental textures where an unusually wide intervallic spread is desired. The overall low tension from the dramatic drops means that standard string gauges will feel very slack, making this tuning highly suitable for heavier gauge strings to maintain playability and intonation.

A unique characteristic highlighted by the creator is that "power chords are 3 frets down on the lowest string so like one fret below where they would be in a dropped tuning...". This suggests an unconventional finger positioning for common power chord shapes, potentially creating a distinctive feel or sonic quality when playing riffs rooted on the lowest string compared to typical drop tunings.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes A1 F2 A3# D4# G3 C4, ordered from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. Let's break down the intervals between adjacent open strings:

• 6th String (A1) to 5th String (F2): A minor 6th up (9 semitones). This is a very wide interval, creating a significant gap between the lowest two strings, which can be utilized for deep, open voicing.
• 5th String (F2) to 4th String (A3#): A tritone up (6 semitones). This dissonant interval is quite unusual for adjacent open strings and can lead to complex harmonic textures.
• 4th String (A3#) to 3rd String (D4#): A perfect 4th up (5 semitones). This is a common and versatile interval, suitable for power chords or melodic lines.
• 3rd String (D4#) to 2nd String (G3): A major 6th down (9 semitones). This is an extremely unusual and dramatic drop in pitch between strings, creating a 'chasm' in the middle of the tuning. The 2nd string is pitched significantly lower than the 3rd string, requiring careful string muting and technique.
• 2nd String (G3) to 1st String (C4): A perfect 4th up (5 semitones). Another common interval, offering good melodic and chordal potential on the higher strings.

Open Chords and Playability

Due to the unusual and widely varied intervals, this tuning does not immediately lend itself to conventional open strummed chords. However, it excels in specific applications:

• Power Chords: The 4th and 3rd strings (A3# and D4#) are a perfect 4th apart, as are the 2nd and 1st strings (G3 and C4). This allows for easy two-finger power chords (root-4th-octave shape) on these string pairs, similar to standard tuning's lower strings.
• Riffs and Drones: The extremely low A1 on the 6th string provides a deep foundation for heavy, chugging riffs. The wide interval between A1 and F2 can be used for interesting open string drones or bass lines.
• Dissonance and Texture: The tritone (F2 to A3#) and the dramatic drop between D4# and G3 create opportunities for highly dissonant and unique textural compositions, moving away from traditional harmony.

This tuning is clearly crafted for a specific, non-traditional musical expression, demanding an adventurous approach and likely a commitment to specialized string gauges.

The open strings of this tuning are set as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): A1
• 5th String (A): F2
• 4th String (D): A3#
• 3rd String (G): D4#
• 2nd String (B): G3
• 1st String (High E): C4

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise instructions provided by the tuning creator. Please note that significant string tension changes are involved, and a heavier gauge string set is strongly recommended.

• 6th String (Standard E2): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. This is an extremely significant drop in pitch, making a much heavier gauge string essential for playability and to prevent floppiness.
• 5th String (Standard A2): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string may be beneficial to maintain tension.
• 4th String (Standard D3): Tune down 4 semitones to A3#. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string may be beneficial to maintain tension.
• 3rd String (Standard G3): Tune down 4 semitones. This instruction, if applied to G3, would result in D#3. However, the specified target note for this tuning is D4#. To reach D4# from standard G3 would require tuning up 8 semitones, which is an extremely high and dangerous tension increase for a standard string and could damage your instrument. Please verify the intended pitch for this string, as there appears to be a discrepancy between the tuning instruction and the target note. If D4# is the target, a much lighter gauge string might be considered (if even feasible) or, more likely, a re-evaluation of the tuning's design for this string.
• 2nd String (Standard B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string may be beneficial to maintain tension.
• 1st String (Standard E4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string may be beneficial to maintain tension.

Note on String Gauges: All strings are instructed to be tuned down by 4 or more semitones, with the 6th string undergoing a massive 7-semitone drop. Tuning beyond approximately 3-4 semitones in either direction significantly alters string tension. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or potential damage to your guitar's neck, a specialized, much heavier gauge string set is strongly advised for this tuning, particularly for the 6th, 5th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings. The 3rd string's discrepancy (if D4# is the goal) would require a very careful approach due to extreme tension. Always consult a luthier if unsure about extreme tuning changes.