This unique Guitar tuning, named Open A add4, offers a bright and resonant sound, perfectly suited for the "Twinkly emo music" described in its essence.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to D2-A2-E3-A3-C#5-E4. This arrangement primarily forms an A major chord (A, C#, E) with an added 4th (D). When strummed open, the full sound is D-A-E-A-C#-E, creating rich, open voicings with an ambient character. The presence of the D note (the 4th of A) gives it the distinctive 'add4' quality, making it resonate with both major and suspended sonorities.

A striking feature of this tuning is its non-monotonic arrangement towards the higher strings: the 2nd string is tuned to C#5, which is an octave higher than the 1st string's E4. This creates a unique harmonic landscape, allowing for shimmering, bell-like tones and arpeggios that might not be possible in standard tuning. Barre chords across the lower strings (D-A-E-A) will maintain their root and interval relationships, offering a solid foundation for further exploration.

However, guitarists should be aware of the extremely high pitch for the 2nd string (C#5). While the tuning instructions provided in the 'How to Tune' section indicate a +2 semitone change from standard B3, achieving the target C#5 from B3 actually requires tuning up approximately 14 semitones. Such an extreme tension increase from a standard string gauge would almost certainly cause string breakage and could damage your guitar. If the target C#5 is desired, it is strongly advised to use a significantly lighter gauge string or even a string from a different instrument (e.g., a banjo string) for the 2nd string, and to approach tuning with extreme caution. Discrepancies between specific semitone movements and desired target notes should always be carefully considered for string safety and instrument integrity.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune:

Tune each string from standard EADGBe tuning according to the instructions below. Always tune carefully.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones to reach C#5. Caution: While this instruction specifies tuning up 2 semitones from the standard B string, the target note C#5 is significantly higher than C#4 (which would be B3 + 2 semitones). Achieving C#5 from a standard B3 string typically requires tuning up approximately 14 semitones. Such an extreme tension increase would likely cause string breakage and could damage your guitar. If the C#5 target is desired, a much lighter gauge string or alternative string type is strongly recommended, and tuning should be approached with extreme caution.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at E4.