The D A-sharp Open Drone tuning (D2 A#3 D3 A3 C4 D4) is a unique and evocative guitar setup that deviates significantly from standard tuning. It builds upon a strong open D drone foundation (D-A-D-A-D) but introduces a distinctive flattened sixth (A#/Bb) on the 5th string and a minor seventh (C) on the 2nd string, creating a rich and complex harmonic landscape.

Verbally, this tuning offers a melancholic, slightly exotic, and highly resonant sound. The prevalence of D and A across multiple octaves allows for powerful drone effects, making it ideal for atmospheric soundscapes, fingerstyle pieces with a dark or contemplative mood, or even heavy, low-end riffs. The inclusion of the A# (Bb) against the D root provides a minor sixth interval, adding a subtle tension and an almost modal quality, reminiscent of Middle Eastern or blues scales. The C note further strengthens the minor harmony, forming a D minor 7th chord when played open (D-A-C). This makes it particularly suited for blues, folk, ambient, or experimental genres where a rich, sustained open sound is desired.

Technical Analysis

• Root & Fifth Resonance: The tuning features D (root) on the 6th, 4th, and 1st strings, and A (perfect fifth) on the 3rd string. This provides an inherent D-A-D-A-D structure, offering robust harmonic support and powerful open chords.
• Minor 7th Chord: The open strings contain the notes D, A, and C, forming a D minor 7th chord (D-A-C-D). This allows for immediate minor 7th voicings by simply strumming the open strings (excluding the A# for a pure Dm7).
• Flattened Sixth (A#/Bb): The A# (Bb) on the 5th string is the most distinctive element. Relative to the D root, it creates a minor 6th interval, adding a unique, often dark or bluesy, flavor. When played against the open D, it gives the tuning its characteristic "A-sharp" quality.
• Open Chord Potential: The full open strum results in a D minor 7th (add b6) chord, or D2 A#3 D3 A3 C4 D4. This provides a rich, full-bodied chord without fretting. Barring across any single fret will yield interesting minor 7th or minor 6th voicings based on the D-A-D-A-C-D structure, making it very conducive to slide guitar.
• Fingerboard Implications: The altered intervals will require a rethinking of standard chord shapes. However, common drone shapes (e.g., barring across the lower strings) will still be effective, and the consistent D root provides a strong anchor. The shifted B and high E strings (to C and D) also open up new melodic possibilities in higher registers.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note that significant string tension changes can occur with these tunings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider a different string gauge to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• 6th String (Low E): Standard E2. Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• 5th String (A): Standard A2. Tune up 1 semitone to A#2. (Note: The specified target note for this tuning is A3#. Tuning up 1 semitone from A2 would typically result in A#2. Please refer to your tuner for the exact A3# pitch.) (Movement: +1 semitone)
• 4th String (D): Standard D3. Keep as is; no change to D3 (0 semitones). (Movement: 0 semitones)
• 3rd String (G): Standard G3. Tune up 2 semitones to A3. (Movement: +2 semitones)
• 2nd String (B): Standard B3. Tune up 1 semitone to C4. (Movement: +1 semitone)
• 1st String (High E): Standard E4. Tune down 2 semitones to D4. (Movement: -2 semitones)

The final open string notes for this tuning are:

• String 6: D2 (Low D)
• String 5: A3# (A-sharp/B-flat)
• String 4: D3 (D)
• String 3: A3 (A)
• String 2: C4 (C)
• String 1: D4 (High D)