Guitar Tuning Modes Explained

Alternate tuning modes open up a world of new sounds and playing possibilities. In this guide, we explain the most popular guitar tuning modes and how to use them.

What Are Alternate Tunings?

While standard tuning (E A D G B E) is the most common, alternate tunings change one or more strings to create different chord shapes, facilitate specific playing techniques, or achieve unique sounds.

Drop Tunings

Drop tunings lower one or more strings, making it easier to play power chords and heavy riffs.

• Drop D: Lower the 6th string to D (D A D G B E) - Most popular drop tuning
• Drop C: Lower both E and A strings (C G C F A D)
• Drop B: Used in heavy metal (B F# B E G# C#)
• Drop A: Even lower for extreme heaviness (A E A D G B)

Open Tunings

Open tunings are tuned so that strumming all strings without fretting produces a chord.

• Open G: D G D G B D - Popular in blues and slide guitar
• Open D: D A D F# A D - Classic folk and blues tuning
• Open E: E B E G# B E - Common in blues
• Open C: C G C G C E - Used by many folk artists
• Open A: E A E A C# E - Similar to Open E but easier on the fingers

DADGAD

DADGAD (D A D G A D) is one of the most popular alternate tunings among acoustic guitarists. It creates a haunting, open sound perfect for fingerpicking and ambient music.

Using Alternate Tunings

• Write down your tunings to avoid forgetting them
• Some chords will be impossible or very difficult - embrace new shapes
• Use a reliable tuner, especially with less common tunings
• Start with Drop D as it's the easiest transition from standard