What is an alternate tuning?
An alternate tuning changes one or more strings from standard E A D G B E. This can provide lower power chords, ringing drones, easier slide shapes, or a different songwriting vocabulary. Always select the matching preset in the online guitar tuner.
Best starting order
| Tuning | Notes low to high | Beginner use |
|---|---|---|
| Drop D | D A D G B E | One-finger low power chords |
| Half step down | Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb | Familiar shapes with lower pitch |
| Double Drop D | D A D G B D | Low and high D drones |
| DADGAD | D A D G A D | Modal drones and fingerstyle |
| Open G | D G D G B D | Open major chord and slide |
| Open D | D A D F# A D | Full open D major chord |
1. Drop D
Lower only the sixth string from E to D. The three lowest strings become D A D, so a straight barre across them creates a power chord. Standard chord shapes mostly remain usable, but notes on the sixth string move two frets relative to standard.
2. Half step down
Lower every string by one semitone. Fingering relationships remain exactly the same, but everything sounds a half step lower. This is useful for matching recordings, reducing vocal range, and slightly lowering tension. Communicate the tuning clearly when playing with others.
3. Double Drop D
Start with Drop D and lower the first string from E to D. The matching outer D strings create drones, but familiar shapes that use the high E string must change.
4. DADGAD
From standard, lower the sixth and first strings to D and lower the second string from B to A. The open strings form a suspended sound rather than a major or minor chord. Begin by holding simple shapes on the middle strings while allowing open D and A strings to ring.
5. Open G
Open G uses D G D G B D. Strumming all open strings produces a G major chord. A single-finger barre can move that major shape, making it popular for slide. The fifth string is the lowest root note, so some players avoid or remove the sixth string in specialized setups, but that is not required to explore the tuning.
6. Open D
Open D uses D A D F# A D. The open strings form D major. It offers a wide, resonant sound for fingerstyle and slide. Pay special attention to lowering the G string only to F#, not raising it.
Other tunings on this site
After these basics, explore Drop C, whole step down, Open C, or Open E. Lower tunings may feel loose with light strings. Open E raises several strings and increases tension, so Open D with a capo at the second fret is a lower-tension way to reach the same concert pitches.
Safe retuning habits
- Confirm whether each target is higher or lower before turning the key.
- Move slowly and stop if a string feels unusually tight.
- Retune in several passes because tension changes affect neighboring strings.
- Use heavier strings or a professional setup for very low tunings used regularly.
- Expect chord shapes and scale positions to change.
How to practice a new tuning
- Memorize the six open notes.
- Find octave pairs and unison notes.
- Learn two or three simple chord shapes.
- Use open strings as drones.
- Write down ideas before returning to standard tuning.