Tuning Overview: Five-String Open A Major

Born from an experiment after a string breakage, the "Five-String Open A Major" tuning offers a unique and resonant soundscape. Missing the traditional low E (6th) string, this five-string configuration centers around the bright and full character of an A Major chord. It's an inviting tuning for those looking to explore open tunings, slide guitar, or simply enjoy a rich, strum-friendly sound.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features the notes E2-A2-C4#-A3-C5#, ordered from the lowest (5th string) to the highest (1st string). Technically, it creates a robust A Major chord (A, C#, E) across the available strings.

• String 5 (E2): Provides the 5th of the A Major chord, an octave below the open E in standard tuning.
• String 4 (A2): The root of the A Major chord, matching the standard A string.
• String 3 (C4#): The major third of the A Major chord, placed quite high in this register.
• String 2 (A3): Another root note, surprisingly lower than the 3rd string's C4#, creating an interesting non-monotonic interval (a perfect 5th down from C4# to A3).
• String 1 (C5#): The highest note, providing another major third and adding sparkle.

Chords and Playability

With all open strings forming an A Major chord, this tuning is exceptionally friendly for strumming and slide guitar in the key of A. Simply barring across a single fret will produce major chords:

• Open Strings: A Major
• Fret 5: D Major
• Fret 7: E Major

Important Considerations for Tuning

While this tuning involves mostly minor downward adjustments, it's crucial to always tune carefully. The most significant changes are tuning down by 1, 2, and 3 semitones for the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings respectively. These adjustments are generally within safe limits for standard guitar strings. However, as a general rule, if any tuning instruction requires moving a string by more than 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable to maintain proper string tension and prevent damage to your instrument.

Open String Notes Details

• String 5 (Lowest): E2 - The foundational fifth of the A Major chord, providing depth and resonance.
• String 4: A2 - The primary root of the A Major chord, offering a strong harmonic anchor.
• String 3: C4# - The major third of the A Major chord, positioned in a higher octave for brightness.
• String 2: A3 - Another root note, creating a unique voicing by being lower than the 3rd string's C4#.
• String 1 (Highest): C5# - The highest note, another major third, adding a shimmering quality to the open chord.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To set up your guitar for the Five-String Open A Major tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from your current setup. The target notes for each string are provided:

• String 5 (Lowest): E2 - Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4: A2 - Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3: C4# - Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2: A3 - Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest): C5# - Tune down 3 semitones.

Important String Gauge Advisory: When performing tuning adjustments, especially those exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally recommended to consider using a different string gauge that is better suited for the new tension. For this particular tuning, the adjustments are moderate downward movements (-1 to -3 semitones), which are typically safe for standard string gauges. However, always proceed with caution, tune slowly, and monitor your instrument for any signs of undue stress.