While standard tuning (EADGBE) forms the foundation of guitar playing, alternate tunings open up entirely new sonic possibilities. From the power of Drop D to the ethereal beauty of DADGAD, discover how different tunings can transform your playing.
Alternate tunings offer several advantages that can revolutionize your playing experience. They provide access to new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning, often making certain techniques more comfortable and intuitive. Each tuning has its own unique harmonic character that can inspire fresh musical ideas, while some tunings offer distinct advantages for specific genres or playing styles.
Many guitarists find that alternate tunings spark creative inspiration in ways that standard tuning cannot. The unfamiliar finger patterns force you to think differently about the instrument, often leading to musical discoveries that would never emerge from conventional playing approaches.
Drop D is probably the most popular alternate tuning, requiring only one string change from standard tuning. Simply lower your 6th string from E to D, and you've opened up a world of new possibilities. This tuning creates D-A-D-G-B-E from lowest to highest string.
Drop D excels at power chords, allowing you to play them with just one finger across the bottom three strings. This tuning also extends your guitar's lower range with that deeper bass note, making it perfect for heavy music genres like rock and metal. The easy transition from standard tuning means you can switch between them mid-song with just a quick adjustment of the 6th string.
Famous songs showcasing Drop D include "Everlong" by Foo Fighters, "Black" by Pearl Jam, "Moby Dick" by Led Zeppelin, and "Spoonman" by Soundgarden. Each of these tracks demonstrates how Drop D can add power and depth to rock compositions.
Open G tuning creates a G major chord when all strings are played open, making it beloved by blues and rock players. The tuning D-G-D-G-B-D from lowest to highest creates rich harmonic relationships that make slide guitar particularly expressive and provide a natural blues tonality even with simple chord movements.
This tuning is exceptional for slide guitar work, where the open chord provides a perfect foundation for melodic slides between positions. You can create major chords simply by barring across any fret, while the rich open strings create beautiful droning effects that enhance both rhythmic and melodic playing.
Artists particularly known for Open G include Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Robert Johnson, and Ry Cooder. Richards famously used Open G for classics like "Start Me Up" and "Brown Sugar," while Johnson's Delta blues recordings demonstrate the tuning's emotional power.
DADGAD is a favorite among Celtic, folk, and acoustic players, creating rich, droning sounds and unique harmonic possibilities. This tuning produces D-A-D-G-A-D from lowest to highest, naturally creating suspended chord voicings that sound mysteriously beautiful without requiring complex fingering.
DADGAD works exceptionally well because it naturally produces sus2 and sus4 chord voicings, making it perfect for traditional Irish and Scottish music where these suspended harmonies are central to the style. The tuning is also excellent for fingerpicking arrangements, providing easy access to different musical modes that can transform simple melodies into rich, complex soundscapes.
Masters of DADGAD include Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin (who used it for "Kashmir" and "Black Mountain Side"), Pierre Bensusan, Davey Graham (who popularized the tuning), and Martin Carthy. Each brought their own interpretation to this versatile tuning system.
Open E tuning creates an E major chord across all open strings, making it particularly popular in blues and slide guitar playing. The tuning E-B-E-G#-B-E from lowest to highest provides rich harmonic content and makes slide playing incredibly expressive.
However, Open E puts significant tension on the strings due to the higher pitches required. Many players prefer Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D) instead, which maintains the same interval relationships but reduces string tension by tuning everything down a whole step. This alternative preserves the harmonic benefits while being easier on both the guitar and the strings.
This tuning keeps all the same intervals as standard tuning but lowers everything by a half-step (one semitone), creating Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb from lowest to highest. This subtle change maintains all your familiar chord shapes and scale patterns while offering several practical advantages.
Half-step down tuning makes playing easier due to the lower string tension, which is more comfortable for bending and fretting. Many singers prefer this tuning because it puts songs in a slightly lower key that better suits their vocal range. The tuning also produces a slightly darker, warmer sound character that many musicians find appealing.
Famous users include Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alice in Chains, and Guns N' Roses. Hendrix's use of this tuning contributed to his distinctive sound, while Stevie Ray Vaughan found it perfect for his intense blues style and powerful string bending technique.
Popular in metal and hard rock, Drop C is essentially Drop D tuned down a whole step, providing even deeper bass notes and heavier power chord possibilities.
Creates a D major chord and is excellent for slide guitar and blues playing, offering similar benefits to Open G but with different harmonic characteristics.
Uses lighter gauge strings on the lower four strings, tuned an octave higher than normal, creating a 12-string guitar effect with a standard 6-string instrument.
Begin with Drop D before exploring more complex tunings, as it requires only minimal adjustment from standard tuning. Electronic tuners are essential for alternate tunings since the unfamiliar intervals can make ear-tuning challenging initially. Keep detailed notes about which tuning you used for different songs, and don't be afraid to experiment with creating your own unique tuning combinations.
Some tunings work better with different string weights - lighter strings for higher tunings, heavier strings for lower tunings. Frequent tuning changes may require guitar setup adjustments to maintain proper intonation. Be aware that constant retuning can shorten string life, and consider having multiple guitars set up for different tunings if you use them regularly.
Alternate tunings are not just technical exercises - they're gateways to new musical expression. Each tuning has its own personality and can inspire compositions that would never emerge in standard tuning. The limitations imposed by different tunings often become liberating, forcing you to discover new approaches and musical ideas.
As Joni Mitchell once said, "I learned that when you play in an alternate tuning, you're forced to think differently. The limitations become liberating." This wisdom captures the essence of why alternate tunings remain such powerful tools for musical exploration and creative growth.
Need help with tuning issues? Check out our Troubleshooting Common Guitar Tuning Problems guide.