The Aflack Tuning: A Modal Resonance

The Aflack tuning, as indicated by its "Modal" description, deviates significantly from standard EADGBe to create a distinct and resonant soundscape. Tuned to C2 A2 C3 G3 A3 C4, this open tuning emphasizes C and A notes across the fretboard, resulting in a rich harmonic texture that evokes a sense of openness and introspection.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Open Chords

This tuning is essentially built around a C major sound with added A notes. The open strings collectively produce the notes C, G, and A. Specifically, from low to high, we have a foundation of C, followed by a major 6th (A), then an octave C, a perfect 5th (G), another major 6th (A), and finally another octave C. This arrangement provides a powerful and sustained drone, particularly with the repeated C and A notes across different octaves.

• Open Chords: The open strings naturally form a C major sound with an added Major 6th (A). This makes a Cmaj6 chord immediately available and resonant, perfect for arpeggios and sustained chords. Alternatively, it can be perceived as an A minor 7th chord (A-C-E-G) with the E omitted and C in the bass.
• Modal Playability: The "Modal" description truly comes to life with this tuning. The strong presence of A alongside C and G lends itself well to explorations in C Dorian (C D Eb F G A B C) or A minor natural (A B C D E F G A), where the A natural fits perfectly as the 6th degree of C or the root of A minor.
• Accessible Shapes: Due to the open intervals, simple one-finger barres across the fretboard will yield interesting voicings. For instance, barring all strings at the first fret gives you a C#maj6 sound (C# A# C# G# A# C#), and at the second fret, a Dmaj6 (D B D A B D). These shapes make it easy to transpose the core sound.
• Drone Potential: The repeated C and A notes create strong sympathetic resonance, ideal for drone-based music, fingerstyle, ambient soundscapes, or even heavy, open-string riffs.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Aflack

The Aflack tuning involves significant changes from standard EADGBe. Please proceed with caution, especially with larger semitone adjustments. We recommend using a digital tuner for accuracy.

• Low E String (6th String): Starting from E2, tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. For optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised, especially if this tuning is used frequently.)
• A String (5th String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains A2.
• D String (4th String): Starting from D3, tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• G String (3rd String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains G3.
• B String (2nd String): Starting from B3, tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• High E String (1st String): Starting from E4, tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Note: Similar to the 6th string, tuning down 4 semitones means a significant slackening. Consider a heavier gauge string for better tension and stability.)

Important Caution: When tuning strings by 4 semitones (down or up) or more, it is generally recommended to use a different gauge string. Significant changes in tension can affect neck relief, intonation, and string longevity. For the 6th and 1st strings in this tuning, a dedicated string set with appropriate gauges is highly beneficial for sustained use.

String 6 (Low E): C2

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): C3

String 3 (G): G3

String 2 (B): A3

String 1 (High E): C4