Alternate Tunings
Many acoustic guitarists today are using alternate tunings to give
their music a different sound. This page will outline some of
the more common alternate tunings, and tell you a little about them.
I hope this page is useful! For help with chord formation using
these tunings, try the alternate tunings resources at
GuitarNotes.com.
All tunings are listed from low strings to high strings.
| EADGBE | standard tuning | • how to tune to standard tuning | ||
| DADGBE | drop-D | • tune 6th string down one whole step | ||
| DADGBD | double-drop-D | • tune 6th string down one whole step • tune 1st string down one whole step | ||
| DADGAD | "Dad-Gad" | • tune 6th string down one whole step • tune 2nd string down one whole step • tune 1st string down one whole step | ||
| DADF#AD | Open D | • tune 6th string down one whole step • tune 3rd string down one half step • tune 2nd string down one whole step • tune 1st string down one whole step | ||
| DGDGBD | Open G | • tune 6th string down one whole step • tune 5th string down one whole step • tune 1st string down one whole step | ||
| EBEG#BE | Open E | • tune 5th string up one whole step • tune 4th string up one whole step • tune 3rd string up one half step WARNING: this is a high-tension tuning! Consider using open D with capo 2nd fret | ||
| CGCGCE | Open C | • tune 6th string down two whole steps • tune 5th string down one whole step • tune 4th string down one whole step • tune 2nd string up one half step | ||
| DADFAD | Open D Minor | • tune 6th string down one whole step • tune 3rd string down one whole step • tune 2nd string down one whole step • tune 1st string down one whole step | ||
That's about all I know about alternate tunings. If you do not know how to tune your strings as indicated, seek help from a local guitar teacher. Do not ask me how to make these tunings.
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© 1998 Daniel E. Smith. Last updated 1-5-98.