Drop A Tuning for Baritone Acoustic: Unlocking Deep, Resonant Soundscapes

Drop A tuning for baritone acoustic guitar lowers the sixth string from B to A, resulting in A–E–A–D–F♯–B (low to high). This tuning extends the instrument’s bass range while retaining familiar chord shapes on the top five strings, making it ideal for heavy riffs, ambient textures, and solo fingerstyle pieces that demand a deep, resonant foundation.

Etymology / Origin

The term “drop tuning” originates from the practice of lowering (dropping) the pitch of the lowest string on a guitar, typically by a whole step, to facilitate power chords and extend the instrument’s lower range. On a standard six-string guitar, Drop D (D–A–D–G–B–E) is the most common. The baritone guitar, tuned a fourth or fifth below standard (B–E–A–D–F♯–B or A–D–G–C–E–A), naturally lends itself to drop tunings. Drop A on a baritone emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s within progressive metal and acoustic experimental scenes, as players sought even deeper tones without sacrificing playability. Acoustic adoption followed, driven by fingerstyle artists and those using baritones for cinematic compositions.

How It Works

On a baritone acoustic guitar in standard B tuning (B–E–A–D–F♯–B), the sixth string is tuned down a whole step from B to A. The remaining strings stay at their standard baritone pitches. This creates an A5 power chord when strumming the lowest three strings open (A–E–A), and a full A major chord when including the second fret on the third string (C♯). The physics of the longer scale length (typically 27–30 inches) allows the low A to vibrate with sufficient tension and clarity, avoiding the flabbiness that would occur on a standard-scale guitar. The lowered pitch shifts the resonant frequency of the soundboard, often enhancing bass response and creating a darker, more enveloping timbre. Proper string gauge selection is critical: a .070–.080 gauge for the sixth string is common to maintain tension comparable to the other strings.

Notation & Diagrams

Below is a text-based tablature representation of the open strings in Drop A tuning for baritone acoustic, along with a basic A5 power chord shape.

Open strings (low to high):
A |---
E |---
A |---
D |---
F♯|---
B |---

A5 power chord (fret 0 on 6th, 5th, and 4th strings):
A |--0--
E |--0--
A |--0--
D |-----
F♯|-----
B |-----

For a visual chord diagram, imagine a standard baritone chord grid with the sixth string tuned down one whole step. All familiar chord shapes (E major, A minor, etc.) remain playable on the top five strings, while the low A adds a bass drone or power chord root.

Step-by-Step / How to Play

1. Select appropriate strings: Use a baritone acoustic string set designed for low tunings, with a wound sixth string of at least .070 gauge. Brands like D’Addario, Elixir, and Stringjoy offer baritone sets.
2. Tune the guitar to standard baritone B: B–E–A–D–F♯–B (low to high). Ensure the instrument is stable at this tuning first.
3. Lower the sixth string: Slowly detune the sixth string from B down to A while checking with a chromatic tuner. The string will feel looser; this is normal.
4. Check intonation and action: The reduced tension may cause slight neck relief changes. Adjust the truss rod if necessary (a quarter turn at a time) and check that the low A intonates correctly at the 12th fret.
5. Experiment with chord voicings: Play open chords using the low A as a root or fifth. Try barre chords with the sixth string fretted to match the fifth string (e.g., 5th fret on both for a D power chord).
6. Adapt your playing technique: Use a lighter touch on the low string to avoid buzzing, and explore fingerpicking patterns that emphasize the bass note.

Common Variations

• Drop A on A-standard baritone: If the baritone is tuned A–D–G–C–E–A (a fifth below standard), dropping the sixth string from A to G creates G–D–G–C–E–A, effectively Drop G. This is sometimes mistakenly called Drop A; clarify the base tuning.
• Double Drop A: Both the sixth and first strings are dropped: A–E–A–D–F♯–A. This creates a symmetrical open A tuning, popular for slide and ambient work.
• Drop A with a high A: Instead of dropping the sixth, the first string is tuned up to A (B–E–A–D–F♯–A), giving a high drone. Less common on baritone due to string tension limits.
• Seven-string emulation: Some players tune a baritone to A–E–A–D–G–B, mimicking the lower range of a seven-string guitar without the high E.

Common Mistakes

• Using standard-gauge strings: A .056 or .059 sixth string will be too floppy at A, causing intonation issues and poor tone. Always use a heavy-gauge baritone set.
• Neglecting the nut slot: The thicker string may bind in a nut slot cut for a .056. Have a technician widen the slot to prevent tuning instability.
• Over-tightening the truss rod: The lower tension might seem to require a truss rod adjustment, but often a slight increase in relief is acceptable. Adjust only if buzzing occurs.
• Ignoring the scale length: Drop A works best on baritones with a scale length of 27 inches or more. Shorter scales (e.g., 25.5 inches) will struggle with clarity and tension.
• Playing too aggressively: The low A string is more prone to pitch drift when struck hard. Use a controlled attack and consider a compressor for recording.

Notable Examples in Songs

• “The Only Moment We Were Alone” – Explosions in the Sky (baritone acoustic arrangement)
• “Ocean” – John Butler (live baritone version)
• “Aerial Boundaries” – Michael Hedges (adapted for baritone Drop A)
• “The Last of Us” Theme – Gustavo Santaolalla (ronroco/baritone influence)
• “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver (baritone guitar parts)
• “Drop A” – Northlane (acoustic rendition)