Verbal Analysis:

This unique "Low G Open A Hybrid Tuning" plunges the guitar into a deeply resonant soundscape, perfect for exploration in folk, blues, drone, or even alternative rock. With a low G foundational note on the 6th string, it offers a distinct gravitas that immediately sets it apart from standard tunings. The upper strings, featuring an A major triad (E-A-C# from strings 3, 2, 1), shimmer with clarity and brightness, creating a compelling contrast with the deep bass. This tuning feels expansive and open, inviting rich, sustained chords and melodic lines. It’s particularly well-suited for slide guitar or fingerstyle, where the open string harmonies can truly sing. The original description notes it's "DAEAC#E modified for lower music", and this version truly leans into that lower range, offering a powerful, almost orchestral bottom end while maintaining an articulate top.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the strings to G1 D2 A2 E3 A3 C#5. Comparing it to standard EADGBe, every string is lowered significantly. The interval structure from the 6th string (G) upwards is a fascinating sequence of perfect 4th, perfect 5th, perfect 5th, perfect 4th, and major 3rd (P4, P5, P5, P4, M3). This creates wide and interesting voicings.

• The prominent A major triad (A-C#-E) is found on the 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings (A, A, C# with the E on the 3rd string completing the triad). Strumming strings 4-1 with open notes produces a clear A major chord (A E A C#).
• Strings 5-3 (D-A-E) form a D major triad, providing another readily accessible open chord.
• The combination of G, D, A, E, A, C# allows for complex harmonic voicings. Interpreted with A as the root, it contains a minor 7th (G) and a perfect 4th (D), hinting at an A7sus4 or an A dominant chord with a strong root and 5th. With the low G as the bass, it can also suggest a rich Gmaj13#11 or Gmaj9(add#11), offering a sophisticated tonality.
• The large intervals between strings (P4, P5, P5, P4) facilitate wide fingerings and unique chord shapes not typically found in standard tuning, encouraging creative exploration.

String 6: G1 (tuned down from standard E)
String 5: D2 (tuned down from standard A)
String 4: A2 (tuned down from standard D)
String 3: E3 (tuned down from standard G)
String 2: A3 (tuned down from standard B)
String 1: C#5 (tuned down from standard E)

How to Tune:

Given the significant drop in pitch for many strings, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set for this tuning to maintain proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Specifically, the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings exceed the recommended threshold for standard string gauges when detuning.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones from E to G. (E ⇒ G)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones from A to D. (A ⇒ D)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones from D to A. (D ⇒ A)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E. (G ⇒ E)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A. (B ⇒ A)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#. (E ⇒ C#)