Verbal and Technical Analysis

"A6 Tuning" presents a unique and harmonically rich soundscape, clearly reflecting its experimental origin influenced by tunings like Sonic Youth's EGDGED. This is an open tuning, meaning that when strummed open, the strings produce a coherent chord.

Technically, the open strings are E2-A2-C#4-F#4-E3-A3. The core of this tuning centers around an A6 chord. When played open, the notes E, A, C#, F# are present, forming an A6 chord (A-C#-E-F#) with an E in the bass (A6/E). This provides a full, resonant, and sophisticated sound. The spread of notes across octaves, especially the C#4 and F#4 on the middle strings, gives it a shimmering quality often found in open tunings. The lower E2 and A2 provide a strong foundation, while the E3 and A3 on the higher strings offer bright melodic possibilities.

The intervals between the strings are highly unconventional, making standard chord shapes largely unplayable but opening up vast new harmonic possibilities. From low to high, the approximate intervals are:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (C#4): Major 10th (16 semitones - equivalent to a Perfect Octave + Major 3rd). This is a very significant jump in pitch.
• String 4 (C#4) to String 3 (F#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (E3): Major 9th descending (14 semitones down). This is a dramatic drop in pitch.
• String 2 (E3) to String 1 (A3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

Chords and Playability

The open strings form an A6/E chord, making this tuning ideal for drone-based music or compositions that naturally resonate around this harmony. Simple barre chords across all six strings at different frets will likely yield interesting and complex extended chords, given the varied intervals. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield notes F#-B-D#-G#-F#-B, which is effectively a B6/F#. This suggests a consistent chord quality (e.g., a 6th chord) can be achieved by simple barres shifted up and down the neck. The unusual octave displacements create opportunities for unique arpeggios and melodic phrases that utilize the wide range between adjacent strings, encouraging a fresh approach to improvisation and composition.

How to Tune

To achieve the "A6 Tuning" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise string movements. Please refer to an accurate tuner for precise pitch.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string should remain at E2.
• String 5 (A String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string should remain at A2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 1 semitone. This will take your D3 string to C#3. Important Note: The specified target tuning for this string is C#4. Tuning a standard D3 string up to C#4 would require an increase of 11 semitones, not a decrease of 1 semitone. If you intend to reach C#4, this is a very significant upward tension change, and a lighter gauge string would be strongly advised to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 1 semitone. This will take your G3 string to F#3. Important Note: The specified target tuning for this string is F#4. Tuning a standard G3 string up to F#4 would require an increase of 11 semitones, not a decrease of 1 semitone. If you intend to reach F#4, this is a very significant upward tension change, and a lighter gauge string would be strongly advised to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 7 semitones. This will take your B3 string to E3. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A lighter gauge string is advised for optimal tension and playability, especially if your current strings are of a heavier gauge.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune down 7 semitones. This will take your E4 string to A3. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A lighter gauge string is advised for optimal tension and playability, especially if your current strings are of a heavier gauge.

Here are the target notes for each string in "A6 Tuning":

• String 6: E2 (Lowest pitch)
• String 5: A2
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: E3
• String 1: A3 (Highest pitch)