Tuning Analysis: A# D G D F A#

This unique guitar tuning, generously shared by luthier Jamie Swannell with Daudi Matsiko, presents a rich and deep sonic landscape, far removed from standard EADGBe.

Verbal Analysis

The "A# D G D F A#" tuning is an intriguing open tuning, characterized by significantly lowered string tensions across the board. The most striking feature is the dramatic drop in pitch for the fifth string (D2), making it the lowest note in the entire tuning, even below the sixth string (A#2). This creates an unexpected sonic foundation, with a deep, resonant quality that can be both brooding and ethereal. The open strings themselves form an A# Major 6 chord (A# - D - F - G), offering immediate harmonic richness without fretting. This tuning encourages exploration of drones, open string harmonies, and can lend itself well to fingerstyle, ambient textures, or heavy, low-end riffing.

Technical Analysis

• Open Chord: When strummed open, the tuning predominantly resolves to an A# (Bb) Major 6 chord. The notes, ordered by pitch from lowest to highest available, are D2, G2, A#2, D3, F3, A#4. This provides the root (A#), major third (D), perfect fifth (F), and major sixth (G) of an A#maj6 chord, with octaves and inversions across the strings.
• Intervals (from low to high string):
  • String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (D2): A massive drop of 7 semitones (Minor 6th down), establishing D2 as the bass anchor despite being on the fifth string.
  • String 5 (D2) to String 4 (G2): A Perfect 4th up (5 semitones).
  • String 4 (G2) to String 3 (D3): A Perfect 4th up (5 semitones).
  • String 3 (D3) to String 2 (F3): A Minor 3rd up (3 semitones).
  • String 2 (F3) to String 1 (A#4): An Augmented 4th / Diminished 5th up (6 semitones).
• Chord Voicings: The presence of two consecutive Perfect 4ths (String 5-4 and String 4-3) makes for accessible power chords or suspended voicings by barring across these strings. The open A#maj6 chord can be moved up and down the neck, retaining its quality. The repeating D notes (String 5 and String 3) and A# notes (String 6 and String 1) provide harmonic depth, sustain, and drone possibilities, particularly around the D and A# centers.

How to Tune

Achieving this tuning requires significant adjustments from standard guitar tuning. Please tune carefully and check your string tension frequently. All string movements are substantial, exceeding 4 semitones down. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent string breakage, a heavier gauge string set is strongly advised for this tuning.

• String 6 (Lowest Pitch String): Tune down 6 semitones to reach A#2.
• String 5: Tune down 7 semitones to reach D2. This is an exceptionally large drop, making it the lowest sounding note in the tuning.
• String 4: Tune down 7 semitones to reach G2.
• String 3: Tune down 5 semitones to reach D3.
• String 2: Tune down 6 semitones to reach F3.
• String 1 (Highest Pitch String): Tune down 6 semitones to reach A#4.

String 6: A#2 - The thickest string is tuned to A# (Bb) in the second octave.
String 5: D2 - The fifth string is tuned to D in the second octave, notably lower than the 6th string, serving as the lowest bass note.
String 4: G2 - The fourth string is tuned to G in the second octave.
String 3: D3 - The third string is tuned to D in the third octave.
String 2: F3 - The second string is tuned to F in the third octave.
String 1: A#4 - The thinnest string is tuned to A# (Bb) in the fourth octave.