Verbal Analysis:

Named for its distinctive use by Sevendust on their song "Mountain", this tuning transforms your guitar into a powerful and harmonically rich instrument. The incredibly low A1 on the 6th string creates a deep, thundering foundation that's perfect for heavy riffs and expansive soundscapes. The arrangement of the higher strings is highly unorthodox, creating a complex open voicing that feels both massive and intricate. It encourages a blend of aggressive playing with potential for nuanced melodic work due to the wide range of notes and large intervallic leaps. This tuning is ideal for artists seeking a truly unique sonic signature that pushes beyond conventional guitar sounds, offering a blend of brutality and sophisticated harmony.

Technical Analysis:

The "Mountain Tuning" sets the open strings to A1-F#3-B2-E3-G#4-C#5 (from low E to high E string). When played open, these notes collectively form an A Major 13th chord. Breaking down the intervals from the lowest string (A1), we have:

• String 6 (A1): Root
• String 5 (F#3): Major 6th / 13th (spanning two octaves up from A1, then a Major 6th)
• String 4 (B2): Major 2nd / 9th (spanning one octave up from A1, then a Major 2nd)
• String 3 (E3): Perfect 5th (spanning two octaves up from A1, then a Perfect 5th)
• String 2 (G#4): Major 7th (spanning three octaves up from A1, then a Major 7th)
• String 1 (C#5): Major 3rd (spanning four octaves up from A1, then a Major 3rd)

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): A1
• String 5 (A): F#3
• String 4 (D): B2
• String 3 (G): E3
• String 2 (B): G#4
• String 1 (High E): C#5

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Mountain Tuning", you will need to adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Please follow these precise movements:

• String 6 (Low E) to A1: Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 5 (A) to F#3: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 (D) to B2: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G) to E3: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B) to G#4: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High E) to C#5: Tune down 3 semitones.

Important Considerations:

When making significant changes to string tension, particularly when tuning a string down by 4 or more semitones, it is crucial to proceed with caution. The 6th string, requiring a drop of 7 semitones, will experience a substantial decrease in tension. For such extreme adjustments, and even for multiple strings tuned down by 3 semitones, we highly recommend considering a heavier gauge of strings. This will help maintain adequate string tension, improve intonation, prevent string floppiness, and ensure the best possible tone and playability, while also safeguarding your guitar's neck and bridge from improper tension.