How to Do Alternate Tunings on the Guitar

Alternate guitar tunings open up a whole new world of sounds and possibilities. Whether you’re chasing the heavier, darker tones of metal or seeking unique voicings for your compositions, messing around with tunings can be your key to unlocking fresh creativity. So, let’s break down the nitty-gritty of alternate tunings and how you can start experimenting with them to enhance your playing.

Why Alternate Tunings Matter

Let’s start with why alternate tunings are such a game-changer (oops, not that word!). For many guitarists, especially those playing in metal and its subgenres, alternate tunings can provide a richer, more complex sonic palette. They allow you to explore new chord shapes and voicings that are virtually impossible in standard tuning. Plus, they can make heavy riffing even more thunderous.

Consider how many iconic songs have been born out of alternate tunings. From the haunting, open strums of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” to the crushing low-end of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” these tunings create landscapes of sound that standard tuning just can’t achieve. They can also make certain techniques, like slide guitar or fingerpicking, more accessible. So, why limit yourself?

Common Tunings and Their Uses

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about some popular alternate tunings and why you might want to use them. Here are a few you might want to try:

• Drop D Tuning (D A D G B E): A favorite among rock and metal bands, this tuning allows for easy power chords and adds depth to your riffs. It’s a simple drop of the low E string to D and is perfect for quick transitions.
• Drop C Tuning (C G C F A D): Just like Drop D but a whole step down, giving your guitar a darker, heavier sound. It’s standard for many metalcore and death metal bands.
• Open G Tuning (D G D G B D): Popularized by blues and slide guitar players, this tuning makes playing major chords a breeze. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones often uses this tuning.
• Open C Tuning (C G C G C E): Perfect for fingerstyle players and those looking for a drone-like sound. It’s used in various genres, from folk to experimental rock.
• DADGAD Tuning (D A D G A D): Known for its Celtic and folk sound, this tuning creates a mysterious, modal feel that’s great for fingerpicking.

Each tuning can inspire new riffs, melodies, and harmonies. They might even push you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Now, let’s get into the practical side of retuning your guitar.

Getting Started with Retuning

Changing tunings is straightforward, but it can feel a bit intimidating if you’re new to it. Here’s a simple step-by-step to help you get started:

• Use a Tuner: A clip-on tuner or a tuning app is indispensable. Make sure your guitar is in tune before you start changing any strings. This ensures you’re making accurate adjustments.
• Loosen the Strings: Gently loosen the string you want to retune. This prevents unnecessary strain on the string and your guitar’s neck.
• Retune the String: Turn the tuning peg slowly in the direction you need—usually, this means loosening the string to a lower pitch. Listen carefully and check against your tuner.
• Check the Intonation: Once you’ve got your desired tuning, play a few chords up and down the neck and make slight adjustments as necessary.
• Recheck Your Tuning: Strings can slip out of tune as they settle. Give them a few strums and double-check with your tuner again.

Once you get the hang of it, retuning becomes second nature. It’s also worth noting that some alternate tunings can change the tension on your guitar. If you’re frequently switching tunings, it might be worth getting your guitar set up by a professional to accommodate these changes.

Exploring Heavier Sounds with Drop Tunings

If you’re all about that heavy sound, drop tunings are where it’s at. They are a staple in metal and can add serious weight to your riffs. Let’s talk about how you can use them effectively.

Drop tunings, like Drop D or Drop C, lower the pitch of your lowest string (or strings), giving you a deeper, growlier tone. This is fantastic for chugging power chords or palm-muted riffs that need some extra oomph.

One of the coolest things about drop tunings is how power chords become easier to play. With the lowest string tuned down, you can use one finger to barre across the bottom three strings, creating a power chord. This opens up possibilities for quick, aggressive chord changes without having to reposition your fingers constantly.

Here’s a simple exercise you can try in Drop D tuning:

• Start with your open low D string.
• Use your index finger to barre across the 7th fret of the D, A, and D strings to make an A power chord.
• Slide that shape up to the 9th fret for a B power chord, then back down to the 5th fret for a G power chord.
• Experiment with palm muting and different strumming patterns to see how it changes the feel of your riff.

Playing around with these shapes and techniques can lead to some seriously heavy riffs. If you’re looking for more guidance on how to master your drop tuning skills, check out Riffhard, where we have lessons from top metal guitarists who specialize in these styles.

Open Tunings for Creative Chord Voicings

Open tunings are another way to explore new sounds. They can make your guitar ring with resonance and allow for unique chord voicings that are simply impossible in standard tuning. Let’s see how you can use them to your advantage.

In an open tuning, the strings are tuned to form a chord when played open. This can create a lush, full sound, and is perfect for creating ambient or atmospheric music. Open G and Open D are popular choices for slide guitar, as they let you glide effortlessly across the strings while maintaining harmony.

Here’s a quick exercise to get you started with Open G tuning:

• Tune your strings to D G D G B D.
• Strum all the open strings to hear the G major chord.
• Try barring across the 5th fret for a C major chord and the 7th fret for a D major chord.
• Experiment with fingerpicking patterns or incorporate a slide for a different texture.

Open tunings can also inspire new melodic ideas. The altered string intervals force you to rethink your approach to scales and melodies, often leading to unexpected and exciting results. If you’re interested in diving deeper into open tunings, we offer lessons on Riffhard that can guide you through the process with insights from expert guitarists.

The Art of DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD is a popular tuning for its modal sound and ability to create both driving rhythms and haunting melodies. It’s often associated with Celtic music but has found its place in many other genres.

To get into DADGAD tuning, you’ll need to tune your guitar to D A D G A D. This tuning provides a droning effect that’s perfect for fingerstyle playing. The open strings create a Dsus4 chord, offering a mysterious, almost ethereal quality.

Here’s a simple exercise to explore DADGAD:

• Play the open strings and listen to the drone effect.
• Try playing a melody on the high strings while letting the lower strings ring out.
• Experiment with alternating between fretted notes and open strings to create a rich tapestry of sound.

DADGAD tuning invites you to explore new musical landscapes, giving your compositions a unique flavor. For those looking to expand their repertoire, Riffhard offers lessons that dive deep into this tuning, taught by seasoned professionals who excel in creating intricate and beautiful arrangements.

Handling the Challenges of Alternate Tunings

While alternate tunings offer fantastic new possibilities, they come with their own set of challenges. Here are some tips on handling them:

• String Tension: Changing tunings can affect string tension, which might require a truss rod adjustment. If you’re frequently switching between tunings, consider using a heavier gauge string to maintain tension.
• Tuning Stability: Alternate tunings can make your guitar more prone to slipping out of tune, especially if the strings aren’t settled. Regularly check your tuning, especially after playing for a while.
• Fret Buzz: Lower tunings can sometimes lead to fret buzz. If this happens, consider raising your action slightly or getting a professional setup.

Tackling these challenges is part of the learning curve. The rewards, however, are well worth it as you open up new realms of creativity and expression.

Experimenting with Your Own Tunings

As you become more comfortable with alternate tunings, don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own. Here’s how you can start:

• Think Outside the Box: Try tuning your strings to intervals that suit a particular scale or chord you’re interested in exploring.
• Listen to the Changes: Play simple melodies and chords to hear how the tuning affects the sound and feel.
• Record and Reflect: Keep recordings of your experiments. Sometimes, the magic happens when you least expect it, and having a record allows you to revisit and refine your ideas.

Creating your own tunings can lead to some of the most original and personal music you’ll ever play. And if you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, Riffhard is a great resource to learn from the best in the business.

Final Thoughts

Alternate tunings can be a powerful tool in your guitar playing arsenal, offering fresh sounds and new creative pathways. Whether you’re looking to deepen your riffs or explore lush chord voicings, there’s a tuning out there waiting for you. And if you ever feel stuck or in need of a little guidance, remember that Riffhard is here to help you along the way. Happy playing!