Here we're looking at a way to gain new sounds with the use of alternate or open tunings on the guitar. I read recently that players have been using alternate guitar tunings since ye olde Renaissance times and we all probably heard these tunings wail across the Delta Plains, when somebody's baby did do them a' wrong ... on CD I presume ;-)...

From the Ragtime 20's to Led Zeppelin, these alternate tunings are certainly alive and well.

• CAUTION: For Beginner Guitar Players Make sure to point the Guitar AWAY from yourself (and anyone else) whenever you are re-tuning or putting on new strings. Even new strings can break so be careful.
• Alternate Guitar Tuning Tips The use of a good Capo will instantly multiply your output and options immensely.
• Alternate Guitar Tuning Tips Many chord shapes and inversions are available in books and you can pick these up quite easily. I reckon it speeds things up  a bit instead of ambling thru hundreds of possibilities - the choice is there.
• Common Alternate Guitar Tunings Here's a few popular Open Tunings to try out - each string is LOWERED to the new tuning. The notes of an open tuning are written in ascending order from left to right: Bass string (6th) to treble string (1st) Underlined Note = retune all strings down.

Standard Guitar Tuning = low to high > E A D G B E

Dropped D = D A D G B E

Double Drop D =  D A D G B D

DadGad = D A D G A D

Open G = D G D G B D

Open D = D A D F# A D

• Open Tunes A few well known songs and bands that have used alternate tunings in the past include:

The Beatles - Dear Prudence (Dropped D)

James Taylor - Country Roads (Dropped D)

Led Zeppelin - Goin' to California (Dropped D)

Led Zeppelin - Black Mountain Side ( DadGad)

Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi (Open D)

Led Zeppelin - Bron Y Aur Stamp ( Open G)

If you'd like to investigate alternate tuning a bit further try our researched suggestions at the BellaOnline Musician's Shop Chord/Books/Tutors

 

Regards

David