This unique Guitar tuning, named A#FA#D#A#D, is described as a transposition of a classic Nick Drake tuning, specifically moved a whole step down. The resulting soundscape is rich, dark, and deeply resonant, perfect for crafting introspective and atmospheric pieces. The presence of multiple A# notes across the strings creates a strong, drone-like foundation, echoing the melancholic and intricate style often associated with Nick Drake's work. It's a tuning that invites a departure from conventional playing, encouraging exploration of new chord voicings and melodic patterns.

Technical Analysis:

This is an exceptionally unconventional and spread-out tuning. The open strings are set to A#2, F2, A#3, D#4, A#4, and D4 (from 6th to 1st string). Let's break down its harmonic and intervallic structure:

• Open Chord Voicing: The open strings contain A# (on the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings), D# (on the 3rd string), and F (on the 5th string). These notes collectively form a strong A# Major triad (A#, D#, F). If the 1st string (D4) is muted, a pure and resonant A# Major chord rings out, providing a solid harmonic base for improvisation.
• The D4 Anomaly: The 1st string, tuned to D4, is a Major 3rd *below* the 2nd string (A#4). This D natural note falls outside the pure A# Major chord, potentially adding a subtle bluesy dissonance or an A#sus4/add9sus4-like quality when strummed open, depending on context. Players might choose to mute this string or incorporate its unique tension into their compositions.
• Intervallic Structure (from lowest to highest pitch): The intervals between adjacent strings are highly varied and depart significantly from standard tuning:
  • String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (F2): Perfect 4th Down (5 semitones)
  • String 5 (F2) to String 4 (A#3): Octave + Perfect 4th Up (17 semitones) – a remarkably large leap!
  • String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (D#4): Perfect 4th Up (5 semitones)
  • String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (A#4): Perfect 5th Up (7 semitones)
  • String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D4): Major 3rd Down (4 semitones)
• Playing Considerations: This tuning's wide-ranging intervals and repeated notes on non-adjacent strings render traditional chord shapes largely impractical. Instead, it fosters creativity with open-string voicings, drone effects, and unique fingerings. Simple two-finger chords, especially those utilizing the consistent A# root, will yield rich and unexpected harmonies, making it ideal for fingerstyle arrangements and experimental music.

The open notes for the Guitar in A#FA#D#A#D tuning are:

• String 6 (Low E string): A#2
• String 5 (A string): F2
• String 4 (D string): A#3
• String 3 (G string): D#4
• String 2 (B string): A#4
• String 1 (High E string): D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the A#FA#D#A#D tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. It's highly recommended to use a reliable chromatic tuner for precision.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune to A#2. This requires you to tune down 6 semitones.
• String 5 (A string): Tune to F2. This requires you to tune down 4 semitones.
• String 4 (D string): Tune to A#3. This requires you to tune down 4 semitones.
• String 3 (G string): Tune to D#4. This requires you to tune down 4 semitones.
• String 2 (B string): Tune to A#4. This requires you to tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune to D4. This requires you to tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: Several strings in this tuning require significant downward adjustment. Tuning down 4 or more semitones can lead to a noticeable decrease in string tension, potentially causing string flop, buzzing, and impacting intonation and playability. For String 6 (-6 semitones), String 5 (-4 semitones), String 4 (-4 semitones), and String 3 (-4 semitones), it is strongly advised to consider using a heavier gauge string set. This will help maintain better tension, improve tone, and provide a more comfortable playing experience.