Verbal Analysis

The "Open A7sus4 (Adrian Sicilia)" tuning, inspired by its namesake, is described as having a "so good sound" and is clearly designed to evoke the specific harmonic character of an A7sus4 chord. This suggests a tuning that is both resonant and musically purposeful, likely offering a rich, full-bodied open sound. It hints at a versatile yet distinct sonic landscape, making it ideal for pieces that benefit from a strong, open A7sus4 tonality or for exploring chord shapes and melodies that naturally fit within this harmonic framework. The name 'Adrian Sicilia' suggests a personalized or signature tuning, possibly used by the artist for a specific style or set of compositions on the guitar.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard EADGBe configuration into E2 G2 A2 A3 A3 D4 across its six strings. Analyzing the open string notes reveals a clear harmonic structure. With A as the root, the notes are:

• A (Root): Present on String 4 (A2), String 3 (A3), and String 2 (A3). The triple root reinforces the fundamental tonality, creating a strong, resonant base.
• D (Perfect 4th): Present on String 1 (D4). This note is crucial for the 'suspended 4th' quality of the chord.
• E (Perfect 5th): Present on String 6 (E2). The fifth provides stability and harmonic completeness.
• G (Minor 7th): Present on String 5 (G2). This note adds the '7th' quality, giving the chord its dominant (or in this case, a minor 7th feel over the sus4) character.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• A7sus4: The most obvious open chord. A simple strum across all six strings will yield a full, rich A7sus4 chord. This is ideal for rhythm guitar parts or as a foundation for melodic improvisation.
• Asus4 (no 7th): By muting or avoiding String 5 (G2), you can achieve an Asus4 chord, creating a slightly brighter, less resolved sound.
• Power Chords: The consecutive A notes (A2, A3, A3) make it easy to create powerful A5 chords by simply fretting adjacent strings at the same fret, or by adding the E2 (String 6) for a full A5 power chord.
• Drone and Melodies: The multiple A notes are excellent for creating drone textures, over which single-note melodies or other chord voicings can be played. This opens up possibilities for intricate fingerstyle arrangements that leverage the sustained root.
• Easy Movability: Chords and melodic patterns built around the A7sus4 shape can often be easily moved up and down the neck, maintaining their characteristic quality, especially useful for slide guitar.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Open A7sus4 (Adrian Sicilia)' tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) and adjust your strings as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes.

• String 6 (Low E): Current E2 → Target E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Current A2 → Target G2. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Current D3 → Target A2. Tune down 5 semitones. This is a considerable drop; proceed carefully and check intonation.
• String 3 (G): Current G3 → Target A3. Tune up 2 semitones. Take care when tuning strings up to avoid breakage.
• String 2 (B): Current B3 → Target A3. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Current E4 → Target D4. Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauges: For significant tuning changes, particularly when exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge to prevent string breakage, maintain proper intonation, and ensure optimal playability. The 5-semitone drop on String 4 may especially benefit from a heavier gauge string if you wish to maintain tension and avoid floppiness.

String 6 (Low E): E2 - The lowest string remains at its standard E pitch, providing a solid bass foundation for the tuning.

String 5 (A): G2 - Tuned down two semitones from a standard A, this string now sounds a G, contributing the minor seventh to the overall A7sus4 chord.

String 4 (D): A2 - Tuned significantly down five semitones from a standard D, this string is now an A, reinforcing the root note of the tuning.

String 3 (G): A3 - Tuned up two semitones from a standard G, this string becomes an A, adding another layer of the root to the open chord.

String 2 (B): A3 - Tuned down two semitones from a standard B, this string also becomes an A, creating a rich, droning open A sound alongside String 3 and 4.

String 1 (High E): D4 - Tuned down two semitones from a standard high E, this string provides the perfect fourth (D) of the A7sus4 chord, defining its suspended quality.