Tuning Analysis: Abyssal Drop A# Fourths

Verbal Description

The "Abyssal Drop A# Fourths" is an exceptionally deep and unconventional tuning for a 6-string guitar, drawing its inspiration from the original name "drop a#/bb fourths". This setup plunges the instrument into a profound low-end territory, anchored by a resonant A#2 on the lowest string. What truly sets this tuning apart is the unique, almost inverted relationship between the two lowest strings: the 5th string (F2) is actually pitched a perfect fourth below the 6th string (A#2). This creates a strikingly dark and dissonant foundation, highly evocative for extreme metal, industrial soundscapes, or experimental music requiring unique low-end textures.

Following this unusual start, there's a significant leap in pitch from the 5th string (F2) to the 4th string (A#3), spanning a compound major tenth (an octave and a perfect fifth). This wide gap necessitates careful playing and string management, potentially leading to interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities across the lowest registers. However, the higher four strings (A#3, D#4, G#4, C#5) settle into a predictable and playable pattern of perfect fourths. This consistency facilitates easier fingering of power chords and modal runs across these strings, reminiscent of bass guitar tunings or all-fourths systems, making these upper registers quite versatile.

While traditional open major or minor chords aren't immediately apparent, the full open strings (A#2, F2, A#3, D#4, G#4, C#5) form a complex and rich sonority. The unique combination of notes (A#, C#, D#, F, G#) creates a dark, dense chord that can be analyzed as an A# minor 7 with an added minor 5th (F). This inherently heavy and slightly dissonant quality provides a fertile ground for atmospheric and aggressive compositions. Simple open A# power chords are readily available on the 6th and 4th strings (A#2, A#3), and movable power chords or quartal voicings are easily achievable by barring across the 4th through 1st strings.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar (6-string)
• Original Tuning Name: "drop a#/bb fourths"
• Open Notes:
  • String 6: A#2
  • String 5: F2
  • String 4: A#3
  • String 3: D#4
  • String 2: G#4
  • String 1: C#5
• Intervals Between Adjacent Strings (low to high):
  • String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (F2): Perfect Fourth Down (P4 ↓, 5 semitones down) - This creates a highly unusual, inverted interval for typical guitar tuning.
  • String 5 (F2) to String 4 (A#3): Compound Major Tenth (M10 ↑, or Octave + Perfect Fifth ↑, 17 semitones up) - An exceptionally large pitch leap that defines a significant break in string tension and playability.
  • String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (D#4): Perfect Fourth Up (P4 ↑, 5 semitones up)
  • String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (G#4): Perfect Fourth Up (P4 ↑, 5 semitones up)
  • String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C#5): Perfect Fourth Up (P4 ↑, 5 semitones up)
• Chordal & Harmonic Implications:
  • The open string voicing (A#2, F2, A#3, D#4, G#4, C#5) consists of the notes A#, C#, D#, F, G#. This can be interpreted as an A#m7(add11) or a dark, complex A# chord with a minor 5th and minor 7th.
  • The consistent perfect fourths on the top four strings (A#3, D#4, G#4, C#5) facilitate easy movable quartal voicings and power chords across these strings, offering flexibility for heavy riffs and leads.

How to Tune (from Standard E Tuning)

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Please proceed with caution, especially with the large downward movements. Follow the specific semitone changes below to achieve the desired pitch for each string:

• String 6 (Low E to A#2): Tune down 6 semitones.
• String 5 (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 4 (D to A#3): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 3 (G to D#4): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 2 (B to G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to C#5): Tune down 3 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings down by 4 or more semitones, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string set to prevent the strings from becoming too slack. This applies to Strings 6, 5, 4, and 3 in this tuning. Using heavier gauge strings will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability, and prevent potential damage to your guitar's neck or bridge from insufficient tension.