Guitar Tunings Library

Unlock new sounds and possibilities with alternative guitar tunings

🎸 Alternative Tunings | 🎵 New Sounds | 🎯 Chord Shapes | 🌟 Famous Users

Why Explore Alternative Tunings?

Tuning Fact: Alternative tunings open up entirely new harmonic possibilities and chord voicings impossible in standard tuning. Artists like Jimmy Page, Joni Mitchell, and Keith Richards built their signature sounds around alternative tunings.

🎸

New Sounds

Access chord voicings impossible in standard tuning

🎵

Inspiration

Break out of familiar patterns and spark creativity

🌟

Signature Style

Develop your unique sound like the masters

6
Total Tunings
3
Beginner Tunings
3
Intermediate Tunings
0
Advanced Tunings

Browse Tunings by Category

Essential Tunings

Beginner

Tunings every guitarist should know

Standard Tuning

beginner

The most common guitar tuning, used in the vast majority of songs. Perfect for beginners and foundational for all other tunings.

String tuning (high to low):
1: E2: B3: G4: D5: A6: E
Category:standard
Common in:Rock, Pop
Chord shapes:4 included

Drop D Tuning

beginner

Lower the low E string to D for powerful, heavy sounds. Perfect for rock and metal with easier power chords.

String tuning (high to low):
1: E2: B3: G4: D5: A6: D
Category:drop
Common in:Rock, Metal
Chord shapes:4 included

Half-Step Down (Eb Tuning)

beginner

Standard tuning lowered by one semitone. Slightly easier bending, warmer tone, and used by many famous guitarists.

String tuning (high to low):
1: Eb2: Bb3: Gb4: Db5: Ab6: Eb
Category:standard
Common in:Rock, Metal
Chord shapes:3 included

Open Tunings

Intermediate

Tunings that create chords when strummed open

Open G Tuning

intermediate

Creates a G major chord when strummed open. Perfect for blues, slide guitar, and Rolling Stones-style rock.

String tuning (high to low):
1: D2: B3: G4: D5: G6: D
Category:open
Common in:Blues, Rock
Chord shapes:4 included

Open D Tuning

intermediate

Creates a D major chord when strummed open. Perfect for slide guitar, blues, and folk music with a bright, ringing tone.

String tuning (high to low):
1: D2: A3: F#4: D5: A6: D
Category:open
Common in:Blues, Folk
Chord shapes:4 included

Modal Tunings

Intermediate

Tunings for ambient and world music

DADGAD Tuning

intermediate

A modal tuning that creates rich, droning sounds perfect for Celtic, folk, and ambient music. Neither major nor minor.

String tuning (high to low):
1: D2: A3: G4: D5: A6: D
Category:modal
Common in:Celtic, Folk
Chord shapes:4 included

Heavy Music Tunings

Intermediate

Tunings for rock, metal, and heavy music

Recommended Learning Path

1

Essential Tunings

Tunings every guitarist should know

Beginner3 tunings to explore
2

Open Tunings

Tunings that create chords when strummed open

Intermediate3 tunings to explore
3

Modal Tunings

Tunings for ambient and world music

Intermediate3 tunings to explore
4

Heavy Music Tunings

Tunings for rock, metal, and heavy music

Intermediate3 tunings to explore

Tuning Quick Reference

Most Popular Alt Tunings

  • • Drop D: DADGBE - Easier power chords
  • • Open G: DGDGBD - Rolling Stones favorite
  • • DADGAD: DADGAD - Celtic and folk music
  • • Half-step Down: Eb tuning - Hendrix style
  • • Open D: DADF#AD - Slide guitar perfect

Tuning Safety Tips

  • • Tune down slowly to avoid string breakage
  • • Check intonation after tuning changes
  • • Use a reliable tuner for accuracy
  • • Learn one tuning thoroughly before moving on
  • • Keep a backup guitar in standard tuning

Famous Artists & Their Tunings

Keith Richards

Open G Tuning

"Start Me Up", "Brown Sugar", "Honky Tonk Women"

Jimmy Page

Multiple Tunings

DADGAD, Drop D, Open G for different songs

Joni Mitchell

50+ Different Tunings

Master of alternative tunings for songwriting

Discover Your New Favorite Tuning!

Start with Drop D - it's the easiest alternative tuning and opens up powerful new chord voicings immediately.

Try Drop D Tuning →Explore Open G