The Open A#/Bb tuning transforms your standard guitar into a powerful instrument ready for rich, resonant chords and slide playing. As its name suggests, when strummed open, all strings combine to form a vibrant A# (or Bb) Major chord, providing an immediate harmonic foundation.

Verbal Analysis

This is a deeply dropped tuning, with all strings significantly lowered from standard EADGBE. The resulting sound is thick and full, ideal for blues, rock, and slide guitar where a powerful low end and easy open-chord voicings are desired. The tuning creates a distinct, somewhat dark, yet harmonically rich soundscape. Players will find it exceptionally easy to play major chords by simply barring across the fretboard. The considerable slack on the strings due to the dramatic drops will make vibrato and bending very expressive, though it may also necessitate a heavier string gauge for optimal tension and intonation, especially if aggressive strumming or precise fingering is intended.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is derived from a standard Guitar setup and results in the open notes of A#2, F2, A#3, D3, F3, A#4, from low to high. This configuration presents an A# Major triad (A#, D, F) across the open strings. The arrangement of notes provides a strong root-fifth-octave relationship on the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (A#2, F2, A#3), followed by a major third, fifth, and octave on the higher strings (D3, F3, A#4). The repeating A# and F notes create a dense, layered sound, emphasizing the tonic and dominant. The presence of the D3 on the 3rd string provides the crucial major third interval, completing the major chord.

Chords and Playability

• Simply barring any fret across all six strings will yield a major chord. For example, barring the 1st fret will produce a B Major chord, the 2nd fret a C Major, and so forth.
• This tuning is particularly well-suited for slide guitar, as the open major chord allows for effortless harmonic movement simply by sliding a single finger or bottleneck.
• Basic minor chords can be formed by fretting the 3rd string one fret higher than the barred fret, creating a minor third interval relative to the new root.
• The wide interval between the 5th string (F2) and the 6th string (A#2) offers unique bass line opportunities and adds to the overall spaciousness of the tuning.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open A#/Bb tuning from standard EADGBE, each string requires significant adjustment downwards. Due to the considerable pitch drops for all strings, particularly the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings dropping by 6 semitones, it is highly recommended to consider using a heavier gauge string set to maintain appropriate string tension and intonation. Regular string gauges may feel too loose and result in buzzing or poor tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. This is a substantial drop and should be done carefully.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. This also represents a significant decrease in tension.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. Another considerable drop, similar to the 5th string.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. This will feel very loose compared to standard G.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3. This is a large drop and will significantly reduce tension.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4. Similar to the low E string, this will result in much lower tension.

When tuning down more than 4 semitones, as is the case for multiple strings here, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for playability and tone. Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your guitar's neck.