A# Tuning (modified) - A Heavy & Low Foundation

This distinctive A# Tuning is well-known for its use in Linkin Park's track "Somewhere I Belong," and is essentially their B Standard tuning transposed down by a half-step. It provides an incredibly low and heavy foundation, perfect for modern rock, metal, and progressive genres where a thick, driving sound is paramount.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes are A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4. This tuning maintains the standard guitar's interval structure (Perfect 4th, Perfect 4th, Perfect 4th, Major 3rd, Perfect 4th) but transposed significantly lower. This means familiar chord shapes and scales can still be applied, albeit at a much deeper pitch. The consistency of Perfect 4ths across the lowest four strings (A#-D#-G#-C#) makes power chords incredibly easy to form and move around the fretboard.

Open Chords & Voicings:

When all open strings are strummed, the tuning yields a rich A# Minor 7 (add 4th) chord, comprising the unique notes A#, C#, D#, F#, and G#. This provides a dark, full, and slightly dissonant voicing straight out of the open position. Due to the perfect fourths on the lower strings, simple power chords (e.g., A#5) are easily achieved by barring the lowest strings. The overall low pitch enhances sustain and resonance, making it ideal for powerful riffs and chugging rhythms.

Playing Experience:

Players accustomed to drop tunings will find the power chord accessibility intuitive. The low register provides an immense sonic impact, allowing for heavy, downtuned riffs and melodic lines that sit deep in the mix. While requiring some adjustment for those used to standard E tuning, the transposed interval structure ensures that much of your existing theoretical knowledge remains applicable.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): A#2
• 5th String (A): D#3
• 4th String (D): G#3
• 3rd String (G): C#4
• 2nd String (B): F#4
• 1st String (High E): A#4

How to Tune:

Starting from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these steps to achieve A# Tuning (modified). Please note that these are significant tuning changes, and using heavier gauge strings is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4.

Important Note: Tuning strings down by 5 or more semitones (as is the case here for all strings) results in significantly reduced string tension. For optimal playability, intonation, and to avoid string damage or buzzing, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge set of strings specifically designed for lower tunings. Consult a guitar technician if you are unsure about the appropriate string gauge for such extreme downtuning.