Instrument Type: Guitar

Tuning Name: Open Ab5

Verbal Analysis

The Open Ab5 tuning is a robust and exceptionally deep variation, directly stemming from the iconic Devin Townsend signature Open A5 tuning. By dropping the entire tuning down a half-step, it ventures into an even heavier, more resonant sonic landscape. This tuning is designed to deliver a massive low-end wall of sound, ideal for powerful, impactful music. Its characteristics make it highly suitable for genres such as progressive metal, djent, or any style requiring a thick, driving, and almost orchestral-like harmonic foundation. The lower overall pitch imparts a formidable gravity, ensuring that riffs feel incredibly dense and impactful.

Technical Analysis

This configuration transforms your guitar into an instrument capable of producing a grand Ab5 (G#5) power chord by simply strumming all open strings. The open notes are structured as follows:

• String 6 (Low E equivalent): G#2 (Root)
• String 5 (A equivalent): G#3 (Octave)
• String 4 (D equivalent): G#3 (Octave)
• String 3 (G equivalent): D#4 (Perfect Fifth)
• String 2 (B equivalent): G#4 (Double Octave)
• String 1 (High E equivalent): D#5 (Perfect Fifth)

The specific arrangement, G#2-G#3-G#3-D#4-G#4-D#5, provides an immediate, full-bodied Ab5 power chord when all strings are strummed open. The lowest three strings create a massive unison/octave foundation, which significantly enhances the low-end impact. This setup makes it exceptionally easy to play powerful, droning riffs and breakdowns with minimal effort.

Open Chord Possibilities:

• Open Ab5 (G#5) Power Chord: Strumming all six strings open delivers a dominant G#5 power chord. This foundational chord is instantly accessible and incredibly powerful.
• Movable Power Chords: Given the open string structure, barring across all or a subset of strings at any fret will easily produce other 5th power chords. For example, barring at the 1st fret will yield an A5 power chord, at the 2nd fret an A#5, and so forth. This greatly simplifies the execution of heavy riffs and chord progressions.
• Droning & Riffing: The repeated root (G#) and fifth (D#) notes across the open strings make this tuning excellent for creating sustained, resonant drones and intricate single-note riffs that utilize the open strings as stable harmonic anchors.

How to Tune

When tuning to Open Ab5, please exercise caution, especially with the significant string tension adjustments required. If your current string gauge is too light for the larger down-tunings, you may experience issues such as excessive string floppiness or poor intonation. For tunings involving drops of more than 4 semitones, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain proper playability and tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 8 semitones to G#2. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

String 6: G#2

String 5: G#3

String 4: G#3

String 3: D#4

String 2: G#4

String 1: D#5