Alternate guitar tunings explained
An alternate tuning tunes one or more guitar strings to different notes from standard tuning (E A D G B E). It changes how chords are played and how the guitar sounds: open strings ring in new ways, and some chords become easier.
Three kinds of alternate tunings
- Drop tunings tune the 6th string a whole step lower than its usual place in the pattern. Drop D (only the 6th string lowered) is the best known; in Drop C or Drop B, all strings are lowered and the 6th string goes down one more step. Double drop D also lowers the 1st string. Most chord shapes on the other strings stay the same, and you get a lower bass note.
- Open tunings tune the open strings to a chord, usually a major chord: Open G, Open D, Open C, and Open E. A single finger or a slide across the strings then plays a major chord. Open minor tunings also exist, such as Open D minor (D A D F A D).
- Modal tunings (also called suspended or “sus” tunings) leave out the third of the chord, so the open strings are neither major nor minor. DADGAD is the most common. The name is customary and does not refer to the church modes.
Common tunings at a glance
These are the presets in the app. “Strings to change” shows how many semitones to raise (+) or lower (−) each string from standard tuning. “Open strings” is the chord name the app gives to all six open strings.
| Tuning | 6th → 1st string | Strings to change from standard | Open strings | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | E A D G B E | — | Em7(11) | The usual tuning |
| DADGAD | D A D G A D | 6 −2, 2 −2, 1 −2 | Dsus4 | Neither major nor minor; Celtic, folk, fingerstyle |
| Drop D | D A D G B E | 6 −2 | G6/9/D | Only the 6th string changes; low D for rock and songs in D |
| DGDGAD | D G D G A D | 6 −2, 5 −2, 2 −2, 1 −2 | Dsus4 | DADGAD with the 5th string lowered to G; suspended sound for G and D |
| Open D | D A D F# A D | 6 −2, 3 −1, 2 −2, 1 −2 | D | Open strings make D; slide, folk |
| Open G | D G D G B D | 6 −2, 5 −2, 1 −2 | G/D | Open strings make G; slide, blues, rock rhythm |
| Open C | C G C G C E | 6 −4, 5 −2, 4 −2, 2 +1 | C | Open strings make C; very low and wide |
| Open E | E B E G# B E | 5 +2, 4 +2, 3 +1 | E | Same shapes as Open D, a step higher; raises three strings |
| DADGBD | D A D G B D | 6 −2, 1 −2 | Gadd9/D | Double drop D: the 6th and 1st strings both at D |
| CGDGBD | C G D G B D | 6 −4, 5 −2, 1 −2 | G/C | Open G with a low C on the 6th string |
Retuning safely
- Use a tuner, and tune each string up to the note from slightly below. Strings stay in tune better than when you tune down to a note.
- Be careful when raising strings. Tunings such as Open E raise strings above standard pitch and add tension to the strings and the neck. If you use such a tuning often, consider lighter strings, or use the same shapes a step lower (Open D) with a capo at the 2nd fret.
- Lowering a lot needs care too. Open C lowers the 6th string by four semitones (E to C). A slack string can buzz or sound flabby; heavier strings help if you use such a tuning often.
- Expect some drift. After a big change, the strings stretch and the guitar goes slightly out of tune for a while. Check the tuning again after a few minutes.
Finding chords in a new tuning
In a new tuning, the chord shapes you know no longer work, and it is hard to work out new ones note by note. Guitar Chord Finder does this for you: choose a tuning (or set each string yourself) and a chord, and it shows natural shapes in the low, middle, and high positions that you can listen to. It also works the other way: press frets on the fretboard to see the name of the chord.
Chord charts: DADGAD, Open G, Drop D and Open D.