Introduction
Alternate guitar tunings refer to tuning your guitar strings to pitches other than the standard EADGBE tuning. Alternate tunings change the intervals between the strings, allowing guitarists to play in new chord shapes and scale patterns. The result is fresh new sounds and textures that can inspire creativity.
There are many reasons to explore alternate tunings on guitar:
- They allow you to play chord voicings and melodies that are difficult or impossible in standard tuning.
- Certain genres like blues, folk, and country often use alternate tunings.
- You can create interesting drones, open chords, and new chord progressions.
- Alternate tunings can make playing easier, reducing string tension and stretching.
- It pushes guitarists out of ingrained habits and helps overcome plateaus.
In this guide, we will cover the top 9 alternate guitar tunings that every guitarist should know:
- Standard EADGBE
- Drop D DADGBE
- Open D DADF#AD
- Open G DGDGBD
- DADGAD
- Open C CGCGCE
- Open E EBEG#BE
- New Standard CGDAEG
- Double Drop D DADGBD
Learning these 9 tunings will give you a solid foundation to explore the creative possibilities of alternate guitar tunings. Let’s get started!
Standard Guitar Tuning (EADGBE)
Standard tuning is the default tuning for most guitars right out of the box. It consists of the notes E, A, D, G, B, E from the lowest string to the highest string. The intervals between the strings are perfect 4ths (E to A, A to D, G to B), except for the interval between the G and B strings, which is a major 3rd.
To tune to standard tuning, you can use an electronic tuner, tuning fork, online tuner, or relative tuning by matching notes between strings. Start with the low E string and match it to E. Then tune the A string to the 5th fret of the E string. Next tune the D string to the 5th fret of the A string. For G, play the 4th fret of D. For B, play the 4th fret of G. And for the high E, play the 5th fret of B. Using a tuner is the easiest and most accurate method. There are many free online guitar tuner tools you can use as well.
Standard tuning is extremely versatile and used across almost all genres of music including rock, pop, country, blues, and more. It provides a great starting point to learn chords, scales, and songs. Many beginning guitar methods and lesson books are based around standard tuning. Its balance of string intervals allows for both melodic lead playing and full 6 string chord voicings up and down the neck.
Drop D Tuning (DADGBE)
Drop D tuning is one of the most popular alternate guitar tunings used in rock, metal, grunge, and other heavy styles of music. As the name suggests, it involves lowering the low E string down one whole step to D. This deepens the tone and allows for heavier, chunkier riffs and easier power chords.
To get into drop D tuning, simply tune your low E string down to D using a tuner, tuning app, or by matching the pitch to the D string at the 5th fret. Your guitar is now tuned down one whole step to DADGBE. Make sure the rest of the strings are still tuned to standard pitch.
Some famous examples of songs in drop D tuning include:
- "Everlong" by Foo Fighters
- "Bulls on Parade" by Rage Against the Machine
- "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
- "Walk" by Pantera
- "The Downfall of Us All" by A Day To Remember
When playing in drop D tuning, power chords become easier to play requiring only one finger across all strings. You can also create heavier riffs by utilizing the low D string. Try octave riffs, palm muting, and chunky single note lines for maximum heaviness. The lowered tension can also enable bigger string bends. Overall, drop D tuning gives your guitar a thicker, darker sound perfect for rock and metal styles.
Open D Tuning (DADF#AD)
Open D tuning is a major open chord tuning that is commonly used in blues, folk, country, and singer-songwriter styles. This alternate tuning allows the guitar to be tuned to a D major chord, giving it a bright, resonant open chord sound.
To get into open D tuning, you tune the guitar strings as follows:
- D – Tune the low E string down to D
- A – Tune the A string to A (no change)
- D – Tune the D string to D (no change)
- F# – Tune the G string up 1 half step to F#
- A – Tune the B string up 2 whole steps to A
- D – Tune the high E string down to D
Some famous songs that utilize open D tuning include:
- "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas
- "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi
- "That’s the Way" by Led Zeppelin
- "Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right" by Bob Dylan
- "You Got It" by Roy Orbison
When playing in open D tuning, some useful tips are:
- Use open ringing chords like D major, A major, and G major
- Try simple fingerpicking patterns using the open D, A, and high E strings
- Play slide guitar licks on the open strings
- Use a capo to transpose into different keys
- Experiment with partial barre chords and riffs on the top 3 or 4 strings
The open and resonant sound of open D tuning lends itself well to folk, country, rock and blues styles. Understanding the open chord shapes and possibilities will open up your creativity on the guitar!
Open G Tuning (DGDGBD)
Open G is a major open chord tuning that is commonly used in Celtic, folk, and world music styles. It gets its name from the fact that the open strings form a G major chord.
To get into open G tuning, you’ll tune your guitar as follows:
- Low E string: Tune down to D
- A string: Tune down to G
- D string: Leave at D
- G string: Leave at G
- B string: Leave at B
- High E string: Tune down to D
This gives you the notes D-G-D-G-B-D, which are the notes that make up a G major chord.
Some famous songs that use open G tuning include:
- "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton
- "Wonderwall" by Oasis
- "The Blower’s Daughter" by Damien Rice
When playing in open G tuning, you can take advantage of drones and open strings to get that Celtic/folk sound. You can also use a partial capo to transpose into different keys while still keeping the open chord sound.
Some tips for playing in open G tuning:
- Practice common open chord shapes like G major, C major, D major, Em, and Am
- Incorporate open drones and ringing strings into your playing
- Use partial capos on the 2nd, 4th, or 5th frets to change keys
- Try altered tunings like "high G" by tuning the B string up to G as well
- Experiment with fingerstyle patterns and flatpicking riffs
The open strings and familiar chord shapes make open G a fun alternate tuning for guitarists to explore. Give it a try and see what new sounds you can discover!
DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD is an alternate open tuning that is commonly used in folk, Celtic, and fingerstyle guitar music. It gets its name from the notes that the strings are tuned to – D A D G A D.
To get into DADGAD tuning from standard tuning, you’ll need to tune your lowest E string down a whole step to D, tune the A string down a whole step to G, and tune the high E string down a whole step to D. An electronic tuner is very helpful for getting into this alternate tuning accurately.
Once in DADGAD tuning, the guitar takes on a droning, resonant open chord sound. Chords tend to be more open-sounding and easier to fingerpick. DADGAD lends itself well to arpeggios, partial chords, and chord melodies.
Some famous examples of DADGAD tuning include:
- "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel
- "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley
- Many Celtic and British folk tunes
When playing in DADGAD, focus on chord shapes that emphasize the open D and A strings as drones. The Dsus2 and Dsus4 shapes are very common. Don’t be afraid to experiment with partial chord shapes and new voicings. Make use of open strings in your melodies and try out different fingerpicking patterns. With some practice, DADGAD can open up an entirely new world of folk fingerstyle guitar!
Open C Tuning (CGCGCE)
Open C is a major open chord tuning commonly used in blues, country, and folk music. It gets its name from the fact that tuning your guitar strings to C-G-C-G-C-E creates a C major chord when strummed open.
To get into open C tuning from standard tuning, you’ll need to tune your guitar as follows:
- Low E string: Tune down to C
- A string: Tune down to G
- D string: Tune down to C
- G string: Leave as is
- B string: Tune up to C
- High E string: Tune down to E
Some famous songs that utilize open C tuning include:
- "Friend of the Devil" by Grateful Dead
- "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty
- "Layla" by Eric Clapton
- "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" by Led Zeppelin
When playing in open C tuning, focus on using open ringing chords, fingerpicking patterns, and slide guitar techniques. The open C major chord can be moved up and down the neck while still retaining its open voicing. You can also play partial barre chords on the top 4 or 5 strings. Open C is great for bluesy soloing as you have access to scales in the key of C major. The open strings allow techniques like drones, pedal tones and embellishments.
Open E Tuning (EBEG#BE)
Open E is a popular alternate tuning used extensively in blues music and slide guitar playing. It is an open chord tuning, meaning that strumming the open strings produces a chord – in this case, an E major chord.
To get into open E tuning, you tune your guitar as follows:
- E – remains E
- B – remains B
- G – tune down to G#
- D – tune down to E
- A – remains B
- Low E – remains E
So your strings become: E-B-E-G#-B-E. Try strumming them open, and you will hear a bright, ringing E major chord.
Many legendary blues artists used open E tuning to great effect, including Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and Duane Allman. The thick, meaty sound of open E suits the gritty tone of blues guitar perfectly. It also facilitates playing slide guitar, since you can place the slide over all strings and chord tones are readily available.
Some examples of classic blues songs in open E tuning include:
- "Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson
- "Rollin’ and Tumblin’" by Muddy Waters
- "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James
When playing in open E, try these tips:
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Use a slide on your pinky or ring finger for lead playing. The tuning allows you to easily hit chord tones and licks.
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Add droning basslines on the bottom E strings. This creates a signature blues sound.
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Experiment with your rhythm playing – chord stabs, shuffling rhythms, and callbacks to the vocal melody.
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Let those open strings ring out! Mute unused strings to allow the open E tones to sustain.
The resonant sound of open E tuning has powered countless blues standards over the years. Unlock the secrets of the blues greats by exploring this alternate tuning yourself.
New Standard Tuning (CGDAEG)
New Standard Tuning (NST) is an alternate tuning for guitar that was created by Robert Fripp in the early 1980s. Unlike standard tuning, NST changes the intervals between each string to create a different tension and tone across the guitar neck.
The tuning for NST is as follows:
- C – G – D – A – E – G
To get into new standard tuning, you’ll need to tune each string individually, usually with the help of an electronic tuner. Make sure your guitar is in tune before attempting to switch to NST.
Some of the benefits of new standard tuning include better intonation across the fretboard, easier string bends, and more options for different chord voicings and new scale shapes. The altered string tensions allow for a wider range of tones as well.
One of the most famous examples of new standard tuning in action is on the song "Cliffs of Dover" by guitarist Eric Johnson. The unique tuning allowed Johnson to get crystal clear tones and take advantage of new chord shapes.
When getting started with NST, take your time learning the new patterns for scales and chords. You can treat it like an entirely new instrument. Seek out tablature and lessons specifically made for NST. Experiment with all the new sounds this alternate tuning makes available.
New standard tuning opens up creative options for guitarists looking to take their playing in new directions. The altered string intervals inspire fresh improvisation and let guitarists see the fretboard from a new perspective.
Double Drop D Tuning (DADGBD)
Double drop D tuning lowers both the high and low E strings down to D. This creates a heavy, chunky tuning that is commonly used in metal, djent, and other aggressive rock styles.
To get into double drop D tuning, simply tune your low and high E strings down one whole step to D. Your guitar should now be tuned to D-A-D-G-B-D.
Some famous examples of songs in double drop D tuning include:
- "Hollow Crown" by Architects
- "Bleed" by Meshuggah
- "Praise the Lord" by Ghostemane
- "Heretic Anthem" by Slipknot
Double drop D allows guitarists to play massive, low chugs and riffs. The ultra-low D string provides a deep, rich tone perfect for downtuned metal. Power chords become easier to play as you only need one finger to barre the top three strings.
When soloing in double drop D, be aware of the change in interval relationships compared to standard tuning. The major third between the G and B strings is now a perfect fourth. Scale patterns will sound different. Experiment with chromatic runs and chugs on the low D string in your solos.
Overall, double drop D unleashes the raw, heavy potential of the guitar. It’s ideal for guitarists who want to tune as low as possible and play detuned riffs and chugs.