The "AK47" tuning for Guitar, as described by Young Multi, is an exceptionally low and unconventional setup designed for a very heavy, aggressive, and impactful sound. This tuning deviates significantly from standard guitar tuning, dropping all strings to incredibly low pitches, with some strings even tuned lower than the physically thicker strings, creating a unique and often dissonant harmonic landscape.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this tuning are as follows, from the thickest (String 6) to the thinnest (String 1):

• String 6: D#1
• String 5: A0
• String 4: E1
• String 3: B1
• String 2: F#3
• String 1: B2

This is a highly experimental tuning where the conventional ascending pitch order from thickest to thinnest string is disrupted. Notably, String 5 (A0) is tuned to a lower pitch than String 6 (D#1), and String 1 (B2) is tuned lower than String 2 (F#3). The overall pitch range spans from A0 (the lowest note on a standard 88-key piano) up to F#3. This extreme downtuning, especially on the lower four strings (D#1, A0, E1, B1), places them in a register typically associated with bass guitars or extended-range instruments.

Sonic Characteristics & Chords:

Verbally, this tuning delivers an incredibly dark, massive, and almost industrial sound. The extreme low end is perfect for heavy, chugging riffs, sub-bass textures, and percussive single-note lines. The non-linear pitch arrangement (e.g., String 5 lower than String 6) means that traditional chord shapes are largely ineffective or will produce unexpected, dissonant voicings. Instead, this tuning encourages a different approach to songwriting:

• Open String Drones: The open notes A0, D#1, E1, B1, B2, F#3 create a complex, somewhat dissonant cluster. Playing these open strings together can generate thick, resonant drones or ambient textures rather than traditional harmonies.
• Power Chords: Simple two-note power chords (root-fifth) can be effective. For example, Strings 3, 2, and 1 (B1, F#3, B2) collectively form a spread-out B5 power chord (B - F# - B), which would sound very resonant and powerful when strummed open or with a single finger barring the corresponding fret. Playing adjacent strings with a single finger on the same fret will produce unique intervals due to the varied tuning.
• Riff-Focused: This tuning is highly conducive to single-string or two-string riffing, particularly with palm-muting to emphasize the low-end impact. The unusual intervals between strings (e.g., A0 to D#1 is a diminished 5th/augmented 4th) can be exploited for unique, unsettling melodies or harmonies.
• Extended Range Exploitation: The extreme low register opens up possibilities for guitarists to act as both rhythm and bass players simultaneously, delivering crushing low frequencies.

How to Tune:

Achieving this tuning requires significant adjustments from standard guitar tuning. Given the substantial drops for most strings, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set, particularly for the lowest four strings (6, 5, 4, and 3), to maintain proper tension and intonation and prevent string breakage or excessive floppiness.

• String 6 (Thickest E-string): Tune down 10 semitones to D#1. (A different gauge string is strongly advised for this extreme drop).
• String 5 (A-string): Tune down 9 semitones to A0. (A different gauge string is strongly advised for this extreme drop).
• String 4 (D-string): Tune down 7 semitones to E1. (A different gauge string is strongly advised for this extreme drop).
• String 3 (G-string): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (A different gauge string is advised for this significant drop).
• String 2 (B-string): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 1 (Thinnest E-string): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.

Take care when making these adjustments, especially with such large drops in pitch, to avoid damaging your guitar or strings. Ensure your guitar's neck relief is properly set up for the reduced string tension.

String 6 (Lowest): D#1

String 5: A0

String 4: E1

String 3: B1

String 2: F#3

String 1 (Highest): B2