A Standard Guitar Tuning
A Standard sets the six strings from low to high to A D G C E A. Its subterranean and spacious voice works especially well for long-scale baritone guitars and very low heavy music.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in A Standard
Every standard-tuning relationship remains, but the entire instrument sounds seven semitones below E standard.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Play a low A pedal in quarter notes, then answer it with compact chords on the top four strings.
Shape tip: Leave space around the low A and use upper-string triads so the arrangement does not become muddy.
Retune to A D G C E A safely
This tuning needs a long scale, purpose-selected heavy strings and a full setup; it is not suitable for a normal set.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in A Standard Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to A D G C E A. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is A Standard Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
This tuning needs a long scale, purpose-selected heavy strings and a full setup; it is not suitable for a normal set. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in A Standard Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a baritone tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.