Understanding standard tuning and trying out different tunings on the guitar can make playing music much more fun and creative. For beginners, exploring alternate tunings is exciting because they can change how the guitar feels. This can make it easier to play certain songs, create new chords, and inspire songwriting. Here, we'll talk about some popular alternate tunings that beginners can enjoy.

Standard Tuning: What Is It?

Standard tuning for a guitar usually goes E-A-D-G-B-e, from the lowest string (the 6th string) to the highest (the 1st string). This tuning is the starting point for playing a lot of different kinds of music, but it can sometimes feel a bit limiting. Luckily, there are many other tunings that can be easily tried out. These tunings can help you create new sounds and understand music better.

Why Should You Try Alternate Tunings?

• Get Inspired: Playing in a different tuning can spark new ideas. Many songwriters have made famous songs just by playing around with different string sounds.

• Easier Playing: Some tunings can make it simpler to play certain styles of music or help you find easier finger positions for different chords.

• Unique Sounds: Different tunings can create special sounds that standard tuning might not provide, letting you explore various music styles.

Popular Alternate Tunings for Beginners

1. Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-e)

   • What It Is: The 6th string is tuned down to D, while the others stay the same.
   • Why It's Awesome: This tuning is popular in rock and metal music. It makes power chords easier and allows you to move between chords quickly with just one finger.
   • Famous Songs: "Everlong" by Foo Fighters, "All Along the Watchtower" by Bob Dylan.

2. Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D)

   • What It Is: The 6th string is tuned down to D, the 5th to G, and the 1st string is tuned to D.
   • Why It's Awesome: Open G creates a rich-sounding chord when strummed, and it's great for slide guitar.
   • Famous Songs: "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by The Rolling Stones, "Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers.

3. Open D Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)

   • What It Is: All the strings are tuned to form a D major chord when played open.
   • Why It's Awesome: Open D is perfect for fingerstyle playing and lets you access many colorful resonant chords.
   • Famous Songs: "Since I’ve Been Loving You" by Led Zeppelin, "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones.

4. DADGAD Tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D)

   • What It Is: Similar to Drop D, but the 2nd string is tuned down to A.
   • Why It's Awesome: DADGAD has a unique sound that’s liked in Celtic and folk music. It lets you play suspended chords and explore many harmonic options.
   • Famous Songs: "Black Mountain Side" by Led Zeppelin, various Celtic traditional pieces.

5. Open C Tuning (C-G-D-G-B-D)

   • What It Is: The guitar is tuned to form a C major chord with its strings.
   • Why It’s Awesome: Open C is great for full-sounding chords that work well for folk music and easy strumming patterns.
   • Famous Songs: "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie, "Waiting for the Sun" by The 2nd Chapter of Acts.

6. Half-Step Down Tuning (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-eb)

   • What It Is: Each string is tuned down a half step.
   • Why It's Awesome: This tuning creates a darker sound and makes it easier to sing along with songs that are usually in a higher key.
   • Famous Songs: "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin, "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins.

7. Whole Step Down Tuning (D-G-C-F-A-D)

   • What It Is: Each string is tuned down a whole step.
   • Why It's Awesome: This lowers the pitch even more and can help match vocals, plus it gives a heavier sound that’s great for rock and grunge music.
   • Famous Songs: "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses, "Easy" by Commodores.

8. Open E Tuning (E-B-E-G#-B-E)

   • What It Is: This tuning creates an E major chord when played open.
   • Why It's Awesome: It offers a strong sound that’s perfect for slide guitar and blues music.
   • Famous Songs: "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James, "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison.

How to Try Alternate Tunings

• Start Small: Pick one or two of the tunings above to start. Use chords or songs you already know to get used to the new sound.

• Learn the Basics: Get to know the main chord shapes in the alternate tuning. Sometimes just learning the finger positions again can help your creativity.

• Experiment and Play Around: Don’t be afraid to explore. Strum different combinations of open strings or play along with music in the new tuning. This can help you develop your skills.

• Note Your Findings: Keep a journal or record what you play in each tuning. This can track your progress and spark new ideas.

Final Thoughts

Trying out alternate tunings is a fun journey for any beginner guitarist. The chance to make unique sounds and styles helps you connect deeper with music and express yourself. Whether you like the full chords of open tunings or the power of Drop D, there’s a whole world of music waiting for you. So go ahead, experiment, and let your creativity shine! You might just create your next favorite song using a new tuning!