5 Essential Alternate Guitar Tunings for a Unique Sound
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 7 min read

Contents

1. Open G Tuning

2. Drop D Tuning

3. DADGAD Tuning

4. Open D Tuning

5. Double Drop D Tuning

Are you looking for a fresh sound to spice up your guitar playing? You're in the right place! In this blog, we will explore five alternate guitar tunings that can help you create a unique sound and expand your musical horizons. These tunings may be just what you need to break out of your comfort zone and discover new creative possibilities. Let's dive in and discover the fascinating world of alternate guitar tuning!

1. Open G Tuning

Open G tuning is an alternate guitar tuning that can give your guitar a rich and resonant sound. It's perfect for slide guitar, fingerpicking, and creating a distinctive blues or rock vibe. Let's take a closer look at the history, popular artists, and songs that utilize this tuning.

History of Open G Tuning

Open G tuning has been around for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the Renaissance period. It gained popularity in the early 20th century with Delta blues musicians, who used it to create a full and powerful sound with just one finger or a slide. This tuning has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among guitarists today.

  • Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is known for his extensive use of Open G, which contributes to the band's distinctive sound.
  • Robert Johnson, a legendary blues musician, often used Open G tuning to create his haunting and powerful songs.
  • Joni Mitchell is another artist who has experimented with Open G, using it to create her signature folk sound.

Songs to Play in Open G

If you're eager to try out Open G tuning, here are a few songs to get you started:

  1. "Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones: This classic rock tune is a perfect example of the rich sound that can be achieved with Open G tuning.
  2. "Little Red Rooster" by Howlin' Wolf: This blues standard is a great way to get familiar with slide guitar techniques in Open G.
  3. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty: This popular song can be easily adapted to Open G tuning for a fresh take on a classic.

Now that you've learned about Open G tuning, why not give it a try and see what unique sounds you can create? Stay tuned for more alternate guitar tunings to explore in our next sections!

2. Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning is another alternate guitar tuning that can add depth and heaviness to your sound. It's especially popular in rock and metal genres but can be used in various styles of music. Let's dive into the history of Drop D tuning, popular artists who use it, and some songs you can play in this tuning.

History of Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning has been used for centuries, dating back to classical guitar music of the 16th century. However, it gained significant popularity in the 20th century, when rock and metal musicians began using it to create a heavier sound. This tuning allows guitarists to play power chords with just one finger, making it an attractive option for those looking to simplify their playing or create a more aggressive sound.

  • Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin used Drop D tuning in some of their iconic songs, contributing to the band's signature heavy sound.
  • Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters is another guitarist known for using Drop D tuning, especially in their earlier work.
  • Tool, a progressive metal band, frequently employs Drop D tuning to create their complex and heavy soundscapes.

Songs to Play in Drop D

Ready to give Drop D tuning a try? Here are a few songs to get you started:

  1. "Everlong" by Foo Fighters: This rock anthem is an excellent example of how Drop D tuning can be used to create powerful riffs and memorable melodies.
  2. "Moby Dick" by Led Zeppelin: This instrumental track showcases Jimmy Page's skills in Drop D tuning with its heavy and driving riffs.
  3. "Schism" by Tool: This progressive metal masterpiece demonstrates the versatility and complexity that can be achieved with Drop D tuning.

With Drop D tuning under your belt, you're well on your way to mastering alternate guitar tunings! Keep reading to discover more tunings that can help you unlock your creativity and develop a unique sound.

3. DADGAD Tuning

Next up is DADGAD tuning, an alternate guitar tuning known for its versatility and unique resonance. Commonly used in Celtic and folk music, DADGAD tuning can also be applied to various other genres. Let's explore the history of DADGAD tuning, some popular artists who use it, and a few songs you can play using this tuning.

History of DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD tuning was popularized in the 1960s by British guitarist Davey Graham. He discovered the tuning while experimenting with different sounds to create a fusion of Eastern and Western music. DADGAD tuning quickly gained popularity among folk guitarists due to its droning and open sound, which lends itself perfectly to Celtic and folk music styles.

  • Pierre Bensusan, a French-Algerian guitarist, is known for his fingerstyle playing in DADGAD tuning, which has become a significant part of his signature sound.
  • Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin used DADGAD tuning in some of the band's iconic tracks, such as "Kashmir," showcasing the tuning's versatility.
  • Richard Thompson, a British folk-rock musician, frequently uses DADGAD tuning in his compositions, creating intricate melodies and harmonies.

Songs to Play in DADGAD

Ready to try your hand at playing in DADGAD tuning? Here are some songs to get you started:

  1. "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin: This legendary rock song demonstrates how DADGAD tuning can be used to create an exotic and mesmerizing sound.
  2. "The Drunken Landlady" by Pierre Bensusan: This instrumental piece showcases the beautiful harmonies and fingerstyle techniques possible with DADGAD tuning.
  3. "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Richard Thompson: This folk-rock ballad highlights DADGAD tuning's ability to create rich and intricate melodies.

Now that you're familiar with DADGAD tuning, you're one step closer to mastering alternate guitar tunings! Keep reading to learn about other alternate guitar tunings that can help you develop a unique sound and expand your musical horizons.

4. Open D Tuning

Open D tuning is another alternate guitar tuning that can add a fresh and distinctive sound to your playing. Known for its rich, resonant tone, Open D tuning is perfect for slide guitar, fingerpicking, or simply creating lush chords. Let's take a look at the history of Open D tuning, some popular artists who use it, and a few songs you can play using this tuning.

History of Open D Tuning

Open D tuning has been around since the early 20th century, gaining popularity in blues and folk music. With its open strings tuned to the notes of a D major chord, Open D tuning provides a full and welcoming sound that works well with various genres and styles. Over time, it has become a go-to tuning for many guitarists looking to add depth and emotion to their music.

  • Joni Mitchell, known for her innovative guitar work, often used Open D tuning to create her signature sound, with tracks like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Coyote".
  • Bob Dylan has employed Open D tuning in several songs, such as "Oxford Town" and "A Simple Twist of Fate," highlighting the tuning's rich and emotive qualities.
  • Robert Johnson, a blues legend, frequently played in Open D tuning, giving his songs a distinct, resonant sound that influenced generations of guitarists.

Songs to Play in Open D

Ready to give Open D tuning a try? Here are some songs to help you explore the possibilities:

  1. "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell: This classic folk song showcases the versatility and unique character of Open D tuning.
  2. "Oxford Town" by Bob Dylan: This bluesy folk tune demonstrates how Open D tuning can be used to create emotional depth and resonance.
  3. "Cross Road Blues" by Robert Johnson: This iconic blues track highlights the powerful, rich sound that Open D tuning lends to slide guitar playing.

As you can see, Open D tuning is an excellent tool for creating a unique sound and expanding your guitar-playing repertoire. Continue reading to learn about one more alternate guitar tuning that can help you stand out from the crowd.

5. Double Drop D Tuning

Double Drop D tuning is another fascinating alternate guitar tuning that can help you create a distinctive and memorable sound. By lowering the pitch of both E strings to D, you'll achieve a tuning that's great for powerful riffs and full-sounding chords. Let's dive into the history of Double Drop D tuning, explore some popular artists who use it, and discover a few songs you can play using this unique tuning.

History of Double Drop D Tuning

Double Drop D tuning emerged in the 1960s as a variation of Drop D tuning. While the exact origin is uncertain, it quickly became popular among folk and rock guitarists for its ability to create a fuller sound while still allowing for easy fretting of chords and riffs. Over time, Double Drop D tuning has grown in popularity and can be found in various genres and styles of music.

  • Neil Young is a well-known advocate of Double Drop D tuning, using it in hits like "Cinnamon Girl" and "Ohio" to create a powerful and distinctive sound.
  • Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has utilized Double Drop D tuning in tracks like "Going to California" and "When the Levee Breaks," showcasing its versatility across genres.
  • Stephen Stills from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, employed Double Drop D tuning in the classic song "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," demonstrating its rich harmonic potential.

Songs to Play in Double Drop D

Ready to experiment with Double Drop D tuning? Here are some songs to help you get started:

  1. "Cinnamon Girl" by Neil Young: This rock classic showcases the powerful riffs and chords that Double Drop D tuning can help you create.
  2. "Going to California" by Led Zeppelin: This acoustic masterpiece demonstrates the versatility of Double Drop D tuning across different genres and playing styles.
  3. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: This folk-rock epic highlights the rich harmonic possibilities of Double Drop D tuning.

As you explore Double Drop D tuning, you'll find that it offers a unique and powerful sound that can elevate your guitar playing. With these five alternate guitar tunings at your disposal, you're well-equipped to create a distinctive and memorable musical experience for yourself and your listeners.

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