The 'Alternate Standard' tuning for Guitar offers a unique twist on the conventional EADGBE setup. This tuning is primarily characterized by a significant alteration to the highest string, creating new sonic possibilities while retaining much of the familiarity of standard tuning.

Technical Analysis:

In this tuning, the guitar strings are set to E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 B3. The critical change from standard tuning occurs on the 1st string (the high E), which is tuned down by five semitones to B3. This creates a unison with the 2nd string (B3), rather than the usual perfect fourth interval (B3-E4) found in standard tuning.

The EADGBB arrangement means that the five lowest strings remain in their standard tuning pitches, providing a familiar foundation for chord shapes and scales. The unison B notes on the two highest strings (B3 and B3) create a richer, thicker sound when played together. This effect can enhance any chord or melody that features the B note, offering a unique tonal texture and a strong, resonant drone.

Chords and Playability:

While the open strings themselves do not form a traditional major or minor triad, the unison B's on the 1st and 2nd strings open up interesting harmonic possibilities:

• Open G Chord: A typical open G chord (often played as 320033 in standard tuning) can be played as 320000 (G, B, D, G, B, B) in this tuning. This provides a very strong G Major sound with a doubled root and third, offering a full and resonant open chord.
• Open D Chord: An open D (XX0232 in standard) can be adapted by playing XX0230, resulting in D-A-D-B. This gives a strong D sound with an added B, possibly hinting at Dmaj6 or a more complex D voicing.
• Open C Chord: A standard open C (X32010) remains essentially the same as X32010, still delivering a clear C Major.
• Many standard chords on the lower five strings will feel natural to play. The top two strings, with their unison B, offer new opportunities for melodic lines, drones, and richer voicings, particularly where the B note is to be emphasized. This tuning could be particularly effective for rock, folk, or blues styles where a ringing top end or specific harmonic textures are desired.

How to Tune Your Guitar:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. While generally safe for standard string gauges when tuning down, for optimal tension and playability, especially for prolonged use, considering a slightly heavier gauge string for the 1st string might be beneficial as it exceeds the 4 semitone threshold for recommended string gauge change.)

This 'Alternate Standard' tuning offers a unique palette for guitarists looking to explore new harmonies and voicings without straying too far from the familiar feel of standard tuning.

String 6: E2 (Lowest pitch string)

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: B3 (Highest pitch string)