The A# Reentrant tuning is, as its name suggests, a truly unique and "weird reentrant tuning" that ventures far beyond conventional guitar setups. It involves a significant reordering of string pitches, most notably by replacing the traditional D string with an A string tuned two octaves below a standard A string (specifically, an A2 which is lower than the adjacent A#3 on the 5th string). This reentrant characteristic, where strings are not ordered strictly from low to high pitch, opens up distinct sonic possibilities, often favoring arpeggiated figures, drone-like sounds, and unusual chord voicings.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D#3, A#3, A2, F3, A#4, and C4 (from 6th to 1st string). When arranged by pitch from lowest to highest, the notes are: A2, D#3, F3, A#3, C4, A#4. The most striking feature is the A2 on the 4th string, which is the lowest note in the tuning, sitting below the A#3 on the 5th string. This creates the reentrant effect. The tuning features a prominent A# presence with A#3 on the 5th string and A#4 on the 2nd string, forming an octave. The inclusion of D#3 and F3 alongside these A# notes suggests a tonal center around A#, possibly hinting at an A# minor or D# chord quality, but the C4 on the high string adds a somewhat dissonant or extended harmony (a major 9th relative to A# if A# is the root). This isn't a simple open major or minor chord, but rather a complex, intervallic voicing designed for exploring rich, open string textures and unexpected harmonic relationships. Guitarists might find this tuning excellent for ambient soundscapes, modern fingerstyle compositions, or experimental genres where traditional chord shapes are less critical than unique sonic palettes.

Chords and Playability:

Due to its highly reentrant and non-standard intervals, forming traditional open chords will be challenging and require significant re-learning of finger positions. However, this is precisely where the tuning's strength lies. It encourages exploration of unique voicings and drone effects. For instance:

• The open 5th (A#3) and 2nd (A#4) strings provide a strong A# octave, allowing for an A# drone foundation.
• Experimenting with two- and three-note clusters across non-adjacent strings will yield fresh, often ethereal, harmonies.
• Simple slide shapes or barre chords on higher frets will likely produce entirely new harmonic results, encouraging creative improvisation beyond standard major/minor progressions.
• The low A2 on the 4th string offers a deep bass note that can be utilized creatively, especially in combination with the higher strings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the A# Reentrant tuning, follow these specific instructions for each string, starting from what is typically standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) or a corresponding higher pitch as implied:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to D#3 by tuning down 1 semitone. (Note: This implies the starting pitch for the 6th string is E3. A standard low E string would be E2; tuning it to D#3 would involve a significant pitch increase not reflected by "down 1 semitone".)
• 5th String (A): Tune to A#3 by tuning up 1 semitone.
• 4th String (D): Tune to A2 by tuning down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string for the 4th string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune to F3 by tuning down 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (B): Tune to A#4 by tuning down 1 semitone.
• 1st String (High E): Tune to C4 by tuning down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a notable change. Consider if a different gauge string would be beneficial for the 1st string.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully, especially with large semitone adjustments, to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the A# Reentrant tuning:

• 6th String: D#3
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: A2 (the lowest pitch in this tuning)
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A#4
• 1st String: C4