Verbal & Technical Analysis: Almost Open A Tuning

This unique Guitar tuning, aptly named Almost Open A, is known for its use in the acoustic version of 'Gimme Sympathy' by Metric. It deviates from standard tuning to create a distinctive sonic landscape, offering a resonant and bright character with an intriguing harmonic complexity.

The open strings ring out as E2 A2 D3 A3 C#5 E4. This arrangement immediately suggests a strong A major tonality, featuring the notes A, C#, and E. The presence of the D3 on the 4th string adds an 'add4' quality to the A major chord, resulting in an Aadd4 chord (A D C# E) over a low E bass note. When strummed open, it creates a full, ringing sound that is neither purely major nor minor, but rather a rich, extended chord.

A notable characteristic of this tuning is the exceptionally high pitch of the 2nd string, C#5. This is two octaves and two semitones above standard B3, making it a very high tension for a typical guitar string and potentially requiring a lighter gauge string or specific setup to avoid breakage and ensure proper intonation. This extreme pitch contributes significantly to the tuning's bright and chime-like qualities.

Chords & Playability:

The open string voicing of E A D A C# E creates an immediate, harmonically rich foundation. The Aadd4 chord with an E bass offers a unique texture. Players can easily explore variations of A major and A suspended chords by simply muting strings or applying minimal fretting.

• Open Chord: Strumming all strings produces a lush E A D A C# E voicing, which can be interpreted as an Aadd4/E chord, or a complex E chord with an A sus4 and a C#6.
• Root on 5th String (A): Barre chords starting on the 5th string will feel familiar in shape but sound entirely new due to the open D, A, C#, and E strings, inviting creative voicings and suspended qualities. For instance, a simple barre across the 5th fret (all strings, or 5-1) would yield a D-based chord with open string resonance.
• Drone Strings: The repeating A notes on the 5th and 3rd strings, along with the E notes on the 6th and 1st strings, provide excellent drone opportunities, enhancing the resonance and sustain of played chords.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Almost Open A tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please exercise caution when tuning strings up, especially more than a few semitones.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones. The G3 string becomes A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones. The B3 string becomes C#4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

Important Safety Note: Tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (four half-steps) from standard pitch can put excessive tension on your guitar neck and bridge, or cause strings to go slack and buzz. If significant changes beyond this range are required for a tuning, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge set specifically designed for that tension or consult a professional luthier.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): A3

String 2 (B): C#5

String 1 (High E): E4