How to Tune a Guitar to Ab

When it comes to tuning your guitar, standard tuning might feel like that comfy old pair of jeans. But if you're aiming to unleash some heavy, brooding riffs, tuning down to Ab (that’s G# for those who prefer sharps) can give your sound the depth it needs. This tuning works wonders for genres like metal and djent, adding that extra grunt to your tone. Let’s break down how to achieve this tuning and why it’s worth your time.

Why Tune to Ab?

Before getting into the nuts and bolts of tuning, let’s chat about why you’d want to drop down to Ab. This tuning is a half-step lower than the popular drop G# tuning, which is a favorite among metalcore and djent bands. Tuning to Ab can give your guitar a darker, heavier sound, which is perfect for those low, chuggy riffs that feel like they’re punching you in the chest.

Think of bands like Periphery or Meshuggah who thrive on these low tunings. The tension in the strings is reduced, giving your riffs a sludgier feel, and it opens up new sonic possibilities you just can’t get with standard tuning. If you’re writing a song that demands a menacing vibe, Ab tuning might just be the missing ingredient.

Getting Your Guitar Ready

Now, let’s talk preparation. Tuning down to Ab requires a bit more than just twisting your tuning pegs. You’ll likely need heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension. Otherwise, your strings might feel like wet noodles, which isn’t ideal for precise playing.

• Heavier Strings: Consider using string gauges starting from .011 or .012. This will help keep your strings taut and your intonation intact.
• Check Your Setup: If you’ve never tuned this low before, you might need to adjust your guitar’s truss rod or action to prevent buzzing and maintain playability.

Interestingly enough, heavier strings can also affect your tone. They provide a fuller, richer sound, which can be more satisfying when riffing in lower tunings. If all this setup stuff sounds a bit daunting, remember that at Riffhard, we’ve got lessons that can guide you through setting up your guitar for low tunings, taught by some of the best metal guitarists around.

The Tuning Process

Alright, let’s get tuning. For Ab, you want your strings to be tuned to Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-F-Bb, from the lowest string to the highest. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you there:

1. Start with the Low E String: Tune your low E string down to Ab. You’ll likely need a tuner to help with this. Make sure to check your tuner settings to accommodate for flats.
2. Move to the A String: Tune the A string down to Eb. This is a full step and a half down from the standard A.
3. D String: The D string goes down to Ab. This is quite a drop, so take your time to ensure accuracy.
4. G String: Tune the G string to Db.
5. B String: The B string drops to F.
6. High E String: Lastly, tune your high E string down to Bb.

If you’ve tuned a guitar to drop D before, think of this as a more extreme version. The goal is to maintain the relative intervals between the strings, but everything is shifted down.

Tips for Staying in Tune

With lower tunings, keeping your guitar in tune can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help:

• Stretch Your Strings: After tuning each string, give it a gentle tug to stretch it out. This helps the string settle in its new tension.
• Tune Up to the Note: Always tune up to the note instead of down. This method helps the string stay in tune longer.
• Use Locking Tuners: If possible, invest in locking tuners. They provide more stability, especially with altered tunings.

Remember, it’s not uncommon for your guitar to go out of tune more frequently with lower tunings. Regularly check your tuning, especially if you’re playing live or in a studio setting.

Adapting Your Playing Style

So, you’ve got your guitar tuned to Ab. Now what? It’s time to adapt your playing style to make the most out of this tuning. If you’re used to standard tuning, you’ll notice that your usual chord shapes and scales might sound different.

One of the first things to experiment with is your power chords. They’ll sound meatier and more powerful. Also, try incorporating open strings into your riffs. The lower pitch can add a haunting quality to your music.

Scales and Riffs

When it comes to scales, the notes will be the same, but the positions might feel different. Spend some time re-familiarizing yourself with your favorite scales in this new tuning.

For riffs, the lower tuning allows for more creative approaches. You can explore playing with more dissonance or tension, which is great for metal. If you’re looking to learn some killer riffs in Ab, Riffhard offers lessons that dive into writing and playing in lower tunings, providing expert insights from top metal guitarists.

Maintaining Your Guitar

Low tunings can put additional strain on your guitar, so regular maintenance is crucial. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Change Strings Regularly: Lower tunings can wear out strings faster, especially if you’re using heavier gauges. Regularly changing strings keeps your tone fresh.
• Check the Neck: Lower tension can affect your neck’s relief. Keep an eye on it and adjust the truss rod if necessary.
• Inspect the Bridge and Nut: Make sure your bridge and nut are properly set up for heavier strings to avoid any issues with buzzing or intonation.

Remember, maintaining your guitar isn’t just about keeping it playable, it’s also about preserving its tone and longevity. With the right care, your guitar will sound its best, even in the deepest of tunings.

Recording and Live Performance Tips

If you’re planning to record or perform live with your guitar tuned to Ab, there are a few additional things to consider.

Recording

• Mic Placement: Experiment with mic placement to capture the full range of your guitar’s tone. Lower tunings can sound muddy if not recorded properly.
• EQ Adjustments: You might need to tweak your EQ settings to make sure your guitar cuts through the mix. Reducing bass frequencies can help avoid a muddy sound.

Live Performance

• Sound Check: Always do a thorough sound check. Lower tunings can interact unpredictably with a live PA system.
• Backup Guitar: Have a backup guitar ready, ideally one that’s also tuned to Ab. This saves time if you break a string on stage.

Playing live or recording with lower tunings can be a thrilling experience, and with the right preparation, you can ensure it sounds great every time.

The Impact on Songwriting

Switching tunings can be a huge source of inspiration for songwriting. Ab tuning isn’t just about playing heavier riffs; it opens up a world of new possibilities for melody and harmony.

Consider the emotional palette of lower tunings. They can evoke feelings of tension, despair, or power, which can be woven into your songwriting themes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different chord voicings and progressions that might not work in standard tuning.

At Riffhard, we explore these creative avenues through our songwriting lessons, helping you unlock new potential in your music. With input from world-class metal guitarists, you can learn how to harness the power of low tunings in your compositions.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As with any new technique, there are common pitfalls when tuning to Ab. Let’s address a few and how you can avoid them:

• String Buzz: This is often due to low string tension. Ensure your guitar is set up correctly and use the appropriate string gauge.
• Intonation Issues: Lower tunings can mess with your intonation. Regularly check and adjust your intonation to keep your guitar sounding in tune across the fretboard.
• Overcomplicating Riffs: The temptation to overdo it with complex riffs is high. Sometimes, simplicity is key—let the tuning do the work and focus on groove and feel.

By being aware of these issues, you can focus on what really matters: playing great music. Remember, the goal is to enhance your sound, not to complicate your playing unnecessarily.

Final Thoughts

Tuning your guitar to Ab opens up a new realm of sonic possibilities, perfect for metal and related genres. With the right approach, you can make the most of this powerful tuning. If you're keen to dive deeper into mastering your sound, Riffhard offers invaluable resources and lessons, crafted by some of the finest metal guitarists, to help you along your musical journey. Happy riffing!