10 Alternate Tunings Every Guitarist Should Know

How to Read Tablature What is Flatpicking? What is Crosspicking? What is a Triplet? What are Time Signatures? Alternate Tunings

10 Alternate Tunings Every Guitarist Should Know

Alternate tunings can open up a world of creative possibilities on the guitar, allowing you to explore different sounds and experiment with unique chord voicings. Here are some fun alternate tunings to try:

1. Open G Tuning (D G D G B D)
Popularized by many blues and slide guitarists, this tuning makes it easy to play major and dominant seventh chords with a simple bar across the fretboard.
2. Drop D Tuning (D A D G B E)
Drop D is widely used in country, rock, and metal music. It adds a heavier, lower dimension to your sound and simplifies power chords.
3. Open D Tuning (D A D F# A D)
Often used in folk and blues, open D tuning is great for slide guitar and fingerstyle playing. It forms a D major chord when you strum all the open strings.
4. DADGAD Tuning (D A D G A D)
Popular in Celtic and folk music, DADGAD provides lush, open-sounding chords and harmonics. It’s known for its drone-like qualities.
5. Open E Tuning (E B E G# B E)
Similar to open D tuning but higher in pitch, this is great for playing slide guitar and achieving a bright, resonant sound.
6. C6 Tuning (C A C G C E)
Often used in lap steel and Hawaiian guitar music, C6 tuning is a pleasant and melodic option for country and folk-style playing.
7. Open C Tuning (C G C G C E)
Open C tuning is versatile and can be used for folk, blues, and even rock. It forms a C major chord when strumming all the open strings.
8. Nashville Tuning (High Strung Tuning)
This involves replacing the lower four strings with lighter gauge strings tuned one octave higher than standard tuning. It’s great for adding shimmering, high-end accents to a standard-tuned guitar track.
9. Dropped C Tuning (C G C F A D)
Similar to drop D but lower, this is popular in heavy metal and hard rock music. It provides a deep, heavy sound.
10. All Fourths Tuning (E A D G C F)
As the name suggests, all strings are tuned a perfect fourth apart. This tuning can help you see the fretboard in a more symmetrical way and encourages unique chord shapes.

Remember that alternate tunings can be inspiring but also challenging. When using these tunings, be prepared to explore and adapt your playing style. Additionally, make sure to adjust string gauges and intonation if necessary, as alternate tunings can put different tension on your guitar neck and strings. Experiment, have fun, and see where these tunings take your musical creativity!