The AGCGAD tuning is a unique and resonant alternative, designed by its user as an alternative to drop tunings like BADABE without putting excessive strain on the high E string. It offers a distinct sonic character, balancing a powerful low end with open, melodic possibilities, making it suitable for genres seeking a dark, yet versatile, sound palette.

Technical Analysis

This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe. The lowest string is tuned up to an A, providing a deep foundation. The 5th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings are all tuned down by two semitones, while the 3rd string remains at its standard pitch.

Open Chord Voicing: The open strings A2-G2-C3-G3-A3-D4, when played together, create a rich and complex A minor 7th suspended 4th chord (A-C-D-G). This provides a dark, open, and resonant sonic landscape for exploration, offering a distinct alternative to more common open tunings.

Harmonic Possibilities: The presence of dual G's (G2, G3) and A's (A2, A3) creates a natural resonance and allows for powerful drone notes and sympathetic vibrations. The overall intervallic structure, relative to the lowest A, is Root, flat 7th, flat 3rd, flat 7th, Root, and 4th/11th. This makes the tuning particularly suited for blues, rock, and alternative genres where suspended, minor, and modal tonalities are prevalent. It encourages exploration of unique voicings and progressions not easily found in standard tuning.

Chords Within Reach: While standard chord shapes will require significant re-learning, the consistent two-semitone drop on most strings (except the 6th and 3rd) suggests that some 'shifted' patterns might emerge for chords that primarily involve those strings. Power chords rooted on the 6th string are still accessible, simply starting from A. The open A minor 7th suspended 4th chord provides an excellent foundation for songwriting in this tuning. Experimentation with partial barres, open string drones, and single-string melodic lines will be key to unlocking its full potential, offering a fresh perspective for riff and lead guitar work.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the AGCGAD tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones from E2 to A2. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. For optimal playability and to avoid string breakage, especially with standard gauge strings, a heavier gauge string (e.g., for a baritone setup) is strongly advised for this low A string.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation after tuning, especially with such varied string tensions. It may also be beneficial to allow the guitar to settle for a short period before making final adjustments.