G# Standard (6 String) Tuning Analysis

The G# Standard (6 string) tuning is a deeply resonant and powerful configuration for your guitar. As indicated by its name and description, this tuning takes the familiar intervallic structure of standard EADGBe tuning and transposes it uniformly down by a significant minor sixth, or 8 semitones (4 whole tones). This results in an incredibly low and heavy sonic landscape, making it a popular choice for genres that demand a darker, more intense sound, such as Metal, Djent, and other heavy rock styles.

Technical Breakdown:

• Instrument Type: 6-String Guitar
• Overall Shift: All strings are tuned down 8 semitones (a minor sixth) from standard EADGBe.
• Open Notes: The open strings are tuned to G#2, C#3, F#3, B2, D#4, G#4 (from low E to high E equivalent).
• Intervallic Structure: Retains the perfect fourth intervals between strings (except G-B string), identical to standard tuning. This means the relative pitch relationships between strings are preserved.

Chords and Playability:

One of the major advantages of G# Standard tuning is its complete portability of chord shapes and scales from standard tuning. Since the tuning maintains the exact same intervallic relationships between all strings, any chord shape or scale you know in E Standard will be directly transferable. For example:

• An open E major chord shape will now produce a G# major chord.
• An A minor bar chord shape will now produce a C# minor chord.

This makes adapting to G# Standard relatively straightforward for players already familiar with standard tuning. The only difference is the significantly lower pitch, which adds a powerful, thick quality to your playing. This tuning excels at creating immense chugging riffs, deep power chords, and thick, detuned melodic lines.

How to Tune Your Guitar to G# Standard:

Given the substantial drop in pitch across all strings, tuning to G# Standard requires careful attention. It is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set designed for low tunings to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to avoid string breakage. A string drop of 8 semitones is significant; standard gauge strings will likely feel very floppy and may not intonate correctly. For each string, tune down as follows:

• 6th String: Tune down 8 semitones to G#2. This is a significant drop (-8 semitones), and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 5th String: Tune down 8 semitones to C#3. This is a significant drop (-8 semitones), and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 4th String: Tune down 8 semitones to F#3. This is a significant drop (-8 semitones), and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 3rd String: Tune down 8 semitones to B2. This is a significant drop (-8 semitones), and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 2nd String: Tune down 8 semitones to D#4. This is a significant drop (-8 semitones), and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 1st String: Tune down 8 semitones to G#4. This is a significant drop (-8 semitones), and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.

Always use a reliable digital tuner to achieve precise pitch. Due to the extreme tension changes, it's also advisable to check and potentially adjust your guitar's intonation and truss rod after settling into this tuning.

Here are the target notes for each string, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: G2# (G Sharp, 2nd Octave)
• 5th String: C3# (C Sharp, 3rd Octave)
• 4th String: F3# (F Sharp, 3rd Octave)
• 3rd String: B2 (B Natural, 2nd Octave)
• 2nd String: D4# (D Sharp, 4th Octave)
• 1st String: G4# (G Sharp, 4th Octave)