Dansm's Acoustic Page


Alternate Tunings
Many acoustic guitarists today are using alternate tunings to give their music a different sound. This page will outline some of the more common alternate tunings, and tell you a little about them. I hope this page is useful! For help with chord formation using these tunings, try the alternate tunings resources at GuitarNotes.com.
All tunings are listed from low strings to high strings.


EADGBE standard tuning how to tune to standard tuning


DADGBE drop-D • tune 6th string down one whole step


DADGBD double-drop-D • tune 6th string down one whole step
• tune 1st string down one whole step


DADGAD "Dad-Gad" • tune 6th string down one whole step
• tune 2nd string down one whole step
• tune 1st string down one whole step


DADF#AD Open D • tune 6th string down one whole step
• tune 3rd string down one half step
• tune 2nd string down one whole step
• tune 1st string down one whole step


DGDGBD Open G • tune 6th string down one whole step
• tune 5th string down one whole step
• tune 1st string down one whole step


EBEG#BE Open E • tune 5th string up one whole step
• tune 4th string up one whole step
• tune 3rd string up one half step
WARNING: this is a high-tension tuning!
Consider using open D with capo 2nd fret


CGCGCE Open C • tune 6th string down two whole steps
• tune 5th string down one whole step
• tune 4th string down one whole step
• tune 2nd string up one half step


DADFAD Open D Minor • tune 6th string down one whole step
• tune 3rd string down one whole step
• tune 2nd string down one whole step
• tune 1st string down one whole step



That's about all I know about alternate tunings. If you do not know how to tune your strings as indicated, seek help from a local guitar teacher. Do not ask me how to make these tunings.
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© 1998 Daniel E. Smith. Last updated 1-5-98.