Welcome to the deep, resonant world of G# Tuning (6 String)! This tuning plunges your guitar into a remarkably low register, creating a foundation perfect for genres demanding immense sonic weight and presence, such as heavy metal, doom, sludge, or even experimental music where a dark, brooding atmosphere is key.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is primarily derived by dropping most strings four whole steps (eight semitones, or a minor sixth) below standard EADGBe tuning. However, it's crucial to note a significant deviation: while strings 6, 5, 4, 3, and 1 are all dropped 8 semitones, the 2nd string (normally B in standard tuning) is dropped only 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) to E. This specific configuration results in the open notes: G#2 - C#3 - F#3 - B2 - E3 - G#4 (low to high).

The structural intervals are particularly interesting:

• The lowest five strings (6th through 2nd: G#-C#-F#-B-E) are all tuned in perfect fourths. This systematic interval arrangement makes playing scales, arpeggios, and lead lines incredibly intuitive and horizontally transposable across the fretboard in the lower register.
• The interval between the 2nd and 1st strings (E-G#) is a major third, mirroring the interval between the G and B strings in standard tuning.

Chordal and Melodic Opportunities

• Open Chords: The open tuning itself does not form a simple major or minor triad. However, the top three strings (B2-E3-G#4) combine to form an open E Major chord (E/B inversion). This provides a surprising bright and melodic contrast to the deep lower strings, offering versatility for atmospheric or clean passages.
• Power Chords: The consistent perfect fourths across the lower five strings (G#-C#-F#-B-E) make power chords exceptionally easy to finger and transpose. A simple two-finger shape (root on one string, 2nd fret of the next lower string) will yield powerful 5th chords like G#5 (6th string open, 5th string at 2nd fret for D#). This is ideal for heavy riffing and chugging.
• Scales & Lead: The 'all fourths' nature of the lower five strings simplifies scale and arpeggio patterns, as shapes can be moved linearly up and down the neck and across these strings with consistent fingerings.

How to Tune

Given the significant drop in pitch for all strings, a heavier gauge string set is strongly advised to maintain adequate string tension, intonation, and playability. Tuning down more than 4 semitones on standard gauge strings can lead to a very loose, floppy feel and poor tone.

• 6th String (Low E Standard): Tune down 8 semitones from E to G#2. (Recommendation: Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 5th String (A Standard): Tune down 8 semitones from A to C#3. (Recommendation: Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 4th String (D Standard): Tune down 8 semitones from D to F#3. (Recommendation: Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 3rd String (G Standard): Tune down 8 semitones from G to B2. (Recommendation: Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 2nd String (B Standard): Tune down 7 semitones from B to E3. (Recommendation: Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 1st String (High E Standard): Tune down 8 semitones from E to G#4. (Recommendation: Consider a heavier gauge string.)

This G# tuning is a powerful tool for guitarists looking to explore the lower sonic spectrum, offering a unique blend of systematic intervals for lead work and the flexibility for both crushing riffs and resonant open voicings.

6th String: G2#

5th String: C3#

4th String: F3#

3rd String: B2

2nd String: E3

1st String: G4#