Guitar Tunings: Exploring Alternate Tunings

Guitarists often stick with standard tuning (EADGBE), but exploring alternate guitar tunings can unlock a world of new sounds, chord shapes, and creative possibilities. Alternate tunings allow you to approach the fretboard in a completely different way, making it easier to create open chords, unique harmonics, and intricate chord progressions that might be difficult to play in standard tuning.

In this guide, we’ll look at popular guitar tunings such as Open G, DADGAD, Drop D, and others. We’ll also explore how to write chord progressions in these tunings to create more complex, resonant sounds in your playing.

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Why Use Alternate Guitar Tunings?

Alternate tunings can completely change the harmonic structure of the guitar, giving you access to new chord voicings, open strings, and unique tonal possibilities. They’re popular in genres like folk, blues, jazz, and progressive rock, where non-standard tunings allow musicians to push the boundaries of their sound. Moreover, alternate tunings make it easier to play slide guitar, open chords, and intricate fingerpicking patterns.

Some of the most well-known guitarists, including Jimmy Page, Joni Mitchell, and John Butler, have used alternate tunings to craft their signature sounds.

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1. Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D)

One of the most common alternate tunings, Open G, is favored by blues and slide guitarists. In this tuning, strumming all six open strings creates a G major chord. The simplicity of Open G tuning makes it great for playing major chords with just one finger barring across the fretboard.

How to Write Chord Progressions in Open G:

Since Open G naturally forms a G major chord, the I-IV-V progression (a cornerstone of blues) becomes incredibly easy to play:

• I chord (G major): Play all open strings.
• IV chord (C major): Bar the 5th fret.
• V chord (D major): Bar the 7th fret.

This tuning also allows for creative chord voicings. To add depth to your chord progressions, experiment with suspended chords by lifting or adding fingers on certain strings. For example, lift the B string on a barred chord to create a sus4 sound, then resolve it back to the major chord.

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2. DADGAD Tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D)

Popular in Celtic music and fingerstyle guitar, DADGAD tuning offers a modal, droning sound that is perfect for open, ringing chords and intricate melodies. This tuning creates a Dsus4 chord when played open, giving it an ambiguous tonality that works well for both minor and major progressions.

How to Write Chord Progressions in DADGAD:

To create chord progressions, focus on the droning D notes on the 4th, 6th, and 1st strings, which provide a consistent bass note. Here’s an example of a simple DADGAD progression:

• I chord (D major): Play the open strings.
• IV chord (G major): Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• V chord (A major): Slide up to the 4th fret on the A string and the 4th fret on the B string.

To add complexity, experiment with open-string melodies and harmonics. This tuning shines when used for fingerpicking, as the droning bass notes provide a steady harmonic foundation for melodic lines.

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3. Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E)

One of the easiest and most versatile alternate tunings is Drop D, where you lower the low E string by a whole step to D. This simple adjustment allows for deep, resonant power chords and is often used in rock, metal, and folk genres.

How to Write Chord Progressions in Drop D:

Drop D simplifies power chords because you can now play them with just one finger across the low strings. For example:

• I chord (D5 power chord): Play the open D string and bar the 2nd fret on the A and D strings.
• IV chord (G5 power chord): Bar the 5th fret on the low three strings (D, A, and low D).
• V chord (A5 power chord): Bar the 7th fret on the low three strings.

To create a full-sounding progression, try blending power chords on the lower strings with open chords on the higher strings. Drop D also makes it easy to create dissonant chords and harmonics, which can add tension and release to your compositions.

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4. Open D Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)

Open D tuning is another popular tuning in slide guitar and folk music. Like Open G, this tuning forms a major chord when played open, but in this case, it’s a D major chord. The lower pitch gives it a full, rich sound perfect for slow, resonant chord progressions.

How to Write Chord Progressions in Open D:

• I chord (D major): Play the open strings.
• IV chord (G major): Bar the 5th fret.
• V chord (A major): Bar the 7th fret.

For more complexity, experiment with open-string embellishments and suspensions. You can also add minor chords by adjusting individual strings, such as playing the 1st fret of the G string for a Bm chord.

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5. Half-Step Down Tuning (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)

Half-step down tuning is a favorite among many rock guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. It gives a slightly lower, heavier sound while maintaining the same relationships between the strings as standard tuning. This tuning allows for the same chord shapes as standard tuning but with a richer, fuller tone.

How to Write Chord Progressions in Half-Step Down Guitar Tunings:

Writing chord progressions is the same as in standard tuning, but with the added depth from the lowered pitch. Here’s a common progression in half-step down:

• I chord (Eb major): Same shape as E major in standard tuning.
• IV chord (Ab major): Same shape as A major.
• V chord (Bb major): Same shape as B major.

This tuning works exceptionally well with blues progressions and power chords, offering a thicker, more aggressive tone.

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6. Nashville Tuning

Nashville tuning is often used in country and folk music to add sparkle and brightness to recordings. This tuning uses lighter strings on the lower four strings, tuned an octave higher than usual, creating a 12-string guitar effect with just six strings.

How to Write Chord Progressions in Nashville Tuning:

Writing progressions in Nashville tuning is similar to standard tuning, but the tonal character is brighter, with more chime and clarity. Use this tuning to layer chords over standard-tuned guitars, adding a harmonic richness to your arrangements.

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How to Choose the Right Guitar Tunings for Your Music

When selecting an alternate tuning, consider the genre and mood of your music. For example:

• Open guitar tunings (like Open G or Open D) work best for blues, slide guitar, and folk.
• Modal guitar tunings (like DADGAD) excel in Celtic and fingerstyle guitar.
• Drop guitar tunings (like Drop D) are perfect for rock and metal, where power chords are common.

Alternate tunings also allow you to rethink your chord progressions and experiment with new voicings. You may find that some tunings lead you to write more open, spacious progressions, while others encourage dissonant, complex harmonies.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into alternate tunings, I highly recommend checking out the Complete Book of Alternate Tunings by Mark Hanson. This comprehensive guide covers over 60 alternate tunings, including detailed instructions on how to use them effectively in your playing. It’s a fantastic resource for any guitarist looking to expand their creative possibilities with new tunings.

You can find more about it here.

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Conclusion: Unlocking Creativity with Alternate Guitar Tunings

Exploring guitar tunings is one of the most effective ways to expand your musical vocabulary. Each tuning opens up new possibilities for chord voicings, melodic ideas, and harmonic depth. By understanding how to write chord progressions in alternate tunings, you’ll be able to create unique, captivating music that stands out.

If you want to dive deeper into alternate tunings and chord progression techniques, join our Guitar Freaks Hangout Discord community. Share your experiences, get feedback from other guitarists, and continue expanding your creative horizons!