This distinct guitar tuning, aptly named "Drop A/G Tuning," transforms a standard six-string guitar into a powerhouse capable of venturing into baritone guitar territory while retaining familiar voicings on its higher strings. It draws inspiration from the legendary Soundgarden's unique C G D G B E tuning, heard on tracks such as "Mailman" and "Blood on the Valley Floor," adapting that concept for an even lower, more resonant foundation.

Verbal Analysis:

Verbally, this tuning immediately suggests a sound that is incredibly deep and heavy. The radical drop to A1 on the lowest string, combined with a G2 on the fifth string, creates a formidable low end, perfect for crushing riffs, drone textures, and extended-range compositions. Despite the radical low end, the genius of this tuning lies in its upper register: strings 4 through 1 are tuned to D3, G3, B3, and E4, respectively. This means the relative intervals of the top four strings (D G B E) mirror the top four strings of standard EADGBe tuning, making many familiar chord shapes and scales from standard tuning readily accessible for the higher voices.

This duality allows for interesting interplay between the ultra-low, thick foundation and more melodically intricate or harmonically rich upper structures. Open chord possibilities lean towards the expansive and powerful; the open strings A1 G2 D3 G3 B3 E4 don't form a simple major or minor triad, but rather a complex, resonant voicing. For instance, the lowest three strings (A1 G2 D3) suggest a heavy, almost industrial drone or power chord foundation, while the upper four (D3 G3 B3 E4) offer a bright Gmaj7sus4 or Dsus4 chord. The presence of two G notes (G2, G3) across different octaves provides a rich, natural resonance. Familiar chords can be easily formed on the top four strings by simply playing standard D, G, B, E shapes relative to those open notes.

Technical Analysis:

Technically, "Drop A/G Tuning" is applied to a standard Guitar, resulting in the open string notes of A1, G2, D3, G3, B3, E4 from low to high (string 6 to string 1). The most significant modifications occur on the bass strings: the 6th string is drastically tuned down 7 semitones from E2 to A1, and the 5th string is dropped 2 semitones from A2 to G2. These substantial drops are what enable the guitar to achieve an extended, baritone-like range and are the core of its "drop" designation. The remaining four strings (D3, G3, B3, E4) maintain their relative standard intervals, effectively providing a familiar "mini-guitar" section on top of the ultra-low foundation. This specific note arrangement of D3-G3-B3-E4 is identical in its intervals to the top four strings (DGBE) of a guitar in standard EADGBe tuning, just at different absolute pitches relative to the full instrument. The presence of two G notes (G2 and G3) creates a natural resonance point around G, offering rich harmonic overtones and potential for robust G-based chords or drones. This tuning is ideal for musicians looking to explore heavier genres, modern metal, or experimental soundscapes that demand a wide dynamic and pitch range.

How to Tune to Drop A/G Tuning

To achieve the "Drop A/G Tuning," you will need to adjust the pitch of your guitar strings as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes, and consider string gauge recommendations for optimal tension and playability.

• String 6 (Low E to A1): You must tune this string down 7 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to A1.
  (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop. For optimal tension and to avoid string floppiness or potential damage, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.)

• String 5 (A to G2): Tune this string down 2 semitones from its standard A2 pitch to G2.

• String 4 (D to D3): Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard D3 pitch.

• String 3 (G to G3): Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard G3 pitch.

• String 2 (B to B3): Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard B3 pitch.

• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard E4 pitch.

The open notes for "Drop A/G Tuning" are as follows, from thickest to thinnest string:

• String 6: A1 (The lowest string, tuned to A in the first octave)
• String 5: G2 (Tuned to G in the second octave)
• String 4: D3 (Tuned to D in the third octave)
• String 3: G3 (Tuned to G in the third octave)
• String 2: B3 (Tuned to B in the third octave)
• String 1: E4 (The highest string, tuned to E in the fourth octave)