Verbal Analysis: The Low-End Aggressor

This tuning, named 'Relapse Drop A# Standard', is an adaptation of a 7-string tuning for a 6-string guitar, with an overall pitch shift. It's designed for heavy music genres such as modern metal, djent, and progressive core, where a formidable low end and crushing power chords are essential. The open strings immediately present a dark, resonant, and aggressive sonic landscape, perfect for thick, chugging riffs and ominous soundscapes. The description notes it's a 'Polaris (relapse) 7 to 6 string conversion', suggesting a specific lineage and intent for high-gain, percussive playing styles.

Technical Analysis: P4 Stack with a Tension Peak

The open notes for this tuning are A#2 D#3 A#3 D#4 G#4 C4. This creates a deeply resonant sound foundation. Let's break down the intervals between adjacent strings, starting from the lowest:

• 6th String (A#2) to 5th String (D#3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 5th String (D#3) to 4th String (A#3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 4th String (A#3) to 3rd String (D#4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 3rd String (D#4) to 2nd String (G#4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 2nd String (G#4) to 1st String (C4): Major Third (4 semitones)

The tuning is characterized by a stacked series of perfect fourths across the lowest five strings, culminating in a major third between the 2nd and 1st strings. This 'all-fourths' dominant structure on the lower strings makes playing power chords incredibly easy and efficient: a single finger barre across three or four strings instantly yields a powerful, harmonically rich chord. For instance, the open 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (A#2 D#3 A#3) form a clear A#5 power chord. Similarly, the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings (D#3 A#3 D#4) form a D#5 power chord.

The highest two strings, G#4 and C4, are a major third apart. This interval, while less common for open strings than a perfect fourth or minor third, can create interesting tension or brightness in higher voicings, contrasting with the dense, low-end power chords. The overall structure provides excellent clarity and sustain for down-tuned, intricate riffing, allowing for fluid scale runs and open string drones that resonate with the primary root of A#.

How to Tune 'Relapse Drop A# Standard'

Achieving this deep and distinct tuning involves significant downward adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the original tuning description mentions 'up 2 semitones', which likely refers to its relationship with its source tuning; however, all string movements described below are in relation to standard EADGBe.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones from E to A#2. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and intonation.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 6 semitones from A to D#3. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D to A#3. Caution: This is a notable drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones from G to D#4. Caution: This is a notable drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B to G#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C4. Caution: This is a notable drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.

The open notes for 'Relapse Drop A# Standard' are as follows:

• 6th String: A2#
• 5th String: D3#
• 4th String: A3#
• 3rd String: D4#
• 2nd String: G4#
• 1st String: C4