This unique guitar tuning, named A# D F G A# C (also frequently referred to as Bb D F G Bb C), draws its inspiration from the ancient Chinese Guqin. It offers a fresh and evocative sonic landscape for the modern guitarist by transforming the standard guitar into an instrument capable of rich, open harmonies, specifically an Open A# Major 6/9 chord.

Verbal Analysis

The overall impression of this tuning is one of profound depth and complex harmony. The lowest A# (Bb) and D notes provide a very deep, resonant foundation, creating a powerful bass register. The higher A# (Bb) and C add brightness and sparkle, while the G acts as a beautiful major 6th, giving the chord a sophisticated and slightly melancholic yet ethereal quality. This tuning naturally encourages spacious arrangements, sustained notes, and a contemplative musical approach, reminiscent of ambient or traditional Eastern musical forms. Playing all strings open produces a full, rich chord that invites exploration beyond conventional guitar voicings, making it ideal for fingerstyle, atmospheric compositions, or slide guitar.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to A#2, D2, F3, G3, A#4, C4, from low to high (String 6 to String 1). This arrangement technically spells out an A# major 6/9 chord. Let's break down the intervals relative to the A# root (on String 6):

• A# (Bb): The root note (String 6), establishing the tonic.
• D: A major third above A# (Bb) (String 5), providing the essential major tonality.
• F: A perfect fifth above A# (Bb) (String 4), reinforcing the power and stability of the chord.
• G: A major sixth above A# (Bb) (String 3), adding a sophisticated, often jazz-influenced color.
• A# (Bb): An octave above the lowest root (String 2), adding richness and ensuring the root is prominent in a higher register.
• C: A major ninth (or major second) above A# (Bb) (String 1), contributing an airy, extended harmony.

This tuning is an excellent choice for players seeking unique harmonic textures or for slide guitarists looking for an open chord that can be easily modulated up and down the neck. While traditional open chords (like standard E, A, D shapes) are not directly transferable, this tuning offers its own set of easy-to-reach harmonies:

• Strumming all open strings immediately gives you a resonant A#maj6/9, perfect for drones or introspective pieces.
• Barring across any single fret will instantly produce the corresponding major 6/9 chord (e.g., barring at the 1st fret yields a Bmaj6/9, 2nd fret for Cmaj6/9).
• Simple two- or three-finger chord shapes can yield a variety of interesting inversions and related chords by slightly altering the open chord structure. For instance, fretting the first string at the 3rd fret (to A#) while leaving other strings open would reinforce the root of the A#maj6/9 chord.
• Power chords on the lower three strings (A#, D, F) are readily available and can be shifted across the fretboard, providing a strong rhythmic foundation.

This tuning truly opens up a new sonic palette, encouraging players to think harmonically and melodically in fresh ways, moving away from conventional chord shapes and into the realm of open string resonance and extended harmonies.

Open String Notes

String 6 (Low E): A2#
String 5 (A): D2
String 4 (D): F3
String 3 (G): G3
String 2 (B): A4#
String 1 (High E): C4

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the A# D F G A# C tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully. Please note that significant changes in string tension are involved, and a different string gauge might be advisable for optimal playability and string longevity. Always tune gradually and with a reliable tuner.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A2#. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for best results and to prevent floppiness.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3. This is a notable increase in tension; exercise caution as tuning up can increase the risk of string breakage.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended, or proceed with extreme caution if using a standard light gauge.

Important Gauge Advisory: For any string movement exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones (i.e., tuning down 4 or more semitones, or tuning up 4 or more semitones), a different string gauge is generally advised. This helps maintain appropriate string tension, improves playability, and reduces the risk of string breakage or potential damage to your instrument. Consult a guitar technician if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods.