This unique 8-string guitar tuning, aptly named "A6" by its creator, is a rich and resonant open chord tuning. As the developer describes, it truly is a "gem" discovered through tuning experiments. It immediately presents an A6 chord when strummed open, offering a full, harmonically complete sound that evokes a sense of grandeur and introspection. This tuning is ideal for lush soundscapes, expansive strumming, or intricate fingerpicking patterns where the open strings can ring out, providing a solid harmonic foundation.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning technically establishes an A6 chord (A, C#, E, F#) across eight strings, spanning multiple octaves. The open notes are E1, A1, C#3, A2, C#4, F#4, A3, E4. This arrangement provides a powerful A major tonality with the added richness of the major 6th (F#). The repeating A and C# notes across different octaves create a natural chorus effect and impressive sustain. The lowest E1 note grounds the chord with exceptional depth. Chords in the key of A Major will feel very accessible, and barre chords will naturally extend the open A6 voicing up the neck. Exploring minor or dominant chords will involve specific fretwork, but the open A6 serves as a strong starting point for various harmonic explorations, making it particularly versatile for composition.

How to Tune:

To achieve this tuning, you'll need to adjust several strings from their standard positions. Please proceed with care:

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 7: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

While none of the individual string movements in this tuning exceed a drop or rise of 4 semitones, always monitor string tension and intonation when making significant tuning adjustments. If you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods, consider a professional setup or a string gauge optimized for these specific tensions to ensure optimal playability and sound.

String 8 (Lowest): Tuned to E1

String 7: Tuned to A1

String 6: Tuned to C#3

String 5: Tuned to A2

String 4: Tuned to C#4

String 3: Tuned to F#4

String 2: Tuned to A3

String 1 (Highest): Tuned to E4