The "down tuned A" is an intriguing and highly individual tuning, perfectly suited for the acoustic fingerstyle, percussive alternative style described. It presents a rich tapestry of deep, resonant lows and sparkling, open highs, creating a soundscape that is both expansive and unconventional, pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the strings to: A#2 E2 B2 F#4 B3 G#4 (from the thickest low E string to the thinnest high E string). The resulting open string intervals are notably wide and often provide unique harmonic colors, encouraging a departure from conventional chord shapes:

• The lowest two strings, A#2 and E2, form a tritone (diminished fifth), creating a deep, resonant tension that can be used for dramatic effect or as a strong, non-standard root.
• A perfect fifth interval is established between E2 and B2 (strings 5 and 4), providing a familiar harmonic anchor within the otherwise unusual landscape.

• A striking leap occurs between B2 and F#4 (strings 4 and 3), spanning an octave and a perfect fifth. This creates a vast, open sound, allowing for complex arpeggiations and drone effects.

• The middle strings (F#4, B3) form a descending perfect fourth, while the higher strings (B3, G#4) yield a major sixth, adding brightness and melodic potential.

While not designed for easy strumming of standard major or minor chords, the tuning features the notes E, B, F#, G#, which are all part of an E major scale. This allows for beautifully resonant open E major arpeggios (E2, B2, G#4) with a wide, ringing quality, especially across strings 5, 4, and 1. The repeated B notes (B2 and B3) can serve as powerful drones or provide a sense of stability. The lowest A#2 provides a dark, almost brooding foundation that can be either a root for highly unusual harmonies or a strong dissonant pedal tone, perfect for an alternative, avant-garde sound. This tuning strongly favors open string arpeggiation, single-note melodic lines that exploit the wide range, and percussive techniques that benefit from varied string tensions and the broad dynamic potential.

String Gauge Recommendation:

Due to significant down-tuning, particularly on the 6th (down 6 semitones), 5th (down 5 semitones), and 1st (down 8 semitones) strings, it is highly recommended to use heavier gauge strings for these specific strings. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and tone quality, preventing excessive floppiness and ensuring the guitar resonates optimally in this deep configuration.

How to Tune:

• 6th String (Low E Standard): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. (Note: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised.)

• 5th String (A Standard): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised.)

• 4th String (D Standard): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.

• 3rd String (G Standard): Tune down 1 semitones to F#4.

• 2nd String (B Standard): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.

• 1st String (High E Standard): Tune down 8 semitones to G#4. (Note: Tuning down 8 semitones is a very significant change; a much heavier gauge string is advised.)