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Many guitar players use different tunings apart from the standard tuning. Use of nonstandard tunings is rare in classical guitar, but less rare in blues guitar. They are common enough, and their tonal effects interesting enough, that casual and serious guitarists alike may want to try them out.
Most alternate tunings involve downtuning ("dropping") strings. Uptuning the strings is less common, partly because it increases tension on the neck. Strings can even snap if tuned up too high!
A few bands, especially Sonic Youth, are noted for rarely or never using standard tuning. |
Dropped D (DADGBE)
The most common alternate tuning is the dropped D (or "drop D") tuning. The lower E string is tuned
down to a D. This tuning allows one to play power chords on the fourth, fifth and sixth strings with only one
finger, and of course allows for lower bass notes. Used commonly in heavy metal, but also in nearly every
other form of guitar music.
Double Dropped D (DADGBD)
Similar to Dropped D above, for this tuning just drop both 'E' strings a full tone. Neil Young often tunes his guitars this way.
Open D (DADF#AD)
Open D, like all open tunings, produces a major chord (in this case, D major) when all strings are
strummed. Drop the sixth, first, and second strings down two semitones, and the third string one semitone.
It is also called "DAD-fad" after its notes. Uses the same chord shapes as Open E but is easier on a guitar
neck as the strings are detuned lessening the tension.
Chord shapes in Open D
Here are some handy chord shapes:
G/D: (020120) Em7/D: (022120)
DADGAD
DADGAD (pronounced as a word: "DAD-gad"), one of the most versatile tunings, is named after the
tuning of its strings. The sixth, second, and first strings are dropped two semitones to D, A, and D.
Strumming all the strings open forms a Dsus4 chord; fretting the second fret of the third string (or muting
the third string) produces a D5 chord, or D power chord. Most songs for DADGAD are in D major, or in G
major with a capo at the fifth fret.
Open E (EBEG#BE)
Used by Cat Stevens and a popular choice for slide guitarists. Strumming in the open position yields a
Emajor chord. You can easily play any chord by barring across the neck at different fret positions. This does
however have some disadvantages; mainly that it is slightly more difficult to play minor chords. Some artists
overcome this by tuning to EBEGBE. This allows both minor and major chords to be played easily. Because
tightening the strings more than is intended can break the strings or put unneeded stress on the neck,
many players opt to tune in Open D and put a capo on the second fret; the result is the same.
Open G (DGDGBD)
Another common open chord tuning - popular with slide guitarists. Tune the 1st and 6th strings down to
D, and the 5th string to G. Keith Richards uses this tuning extensively after 1968. (See Brown Sugar, Honky
Tonk Women, Start Me Up) He also removes the bottom 1st string because the root of the chord is on the
2nd string in Open G. Sometimes referred to as "Spanish Tuning".
Chord Shapes
Uses the same chord shapes as Open A. C/D: (002010)
FA#D#G#CC
The tuning used probably exclusively by Placebo. It suits singers with a higher-than-average voice.
More information
Alternate Tuning Guide for Contemporary Folk Music
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