Alternate guitar tuning can really broaden your
sonic horizons.
For beginners especially, it's an extremely fast
way to get an almost instant different sound.
Just try exploring one alternate tuning and you
will realize the possibilities. More below ...
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Acoustic Guitars are really ideal for using and experimenting with Alternate, also known as
Open Tunings. They tend to keep the tuning better than standard electric guitars because they
normally have heavier gauge strings (and no whammy-bars - btw if you have an acoustic with a
whammy bar fitted you're still welcome :).
I read recently that players have been using alternate guitar tunings since ye olde Renaissance
times and we all probably heard Open Tunings wail across the Delta Plains, when somebody's
baby did do them a' wrong, on CD I presume ... really? an acoustic with a whammy?
From the Ragtime 20's to Led Zep, these alternate tunings are certainly alive and well...
CAUTION For Beginners Make sure to point the Guitar AWAY from yourself (and
anyone else) whenever you are re-tuning or putting on new strings. Even new strings can
break so be careful.
Alternate Guitar Tuning Tips The use of a good Capo will instantly multiply your output
and options immensely. Here's a great pro capo called Kyser - I use these Kysers myself
for years now and no complaints. You can even get spares and renewal parts for them!
Alternate Guitar Tuning Tips Many chord shapes and inversions are available in books
and you can pick these up quite easily. I reckon it speeds things up a bit instead of
ambling thru hundreds of possibilities - the choice is there.
Common Alternate Guitar Tuning Here's a few popular Open Tunings to try out - each string
is LOWERED to the new tuning. The notes of an open tuning are written in ascending order
from left to right: Bass string (6th) to treble string (1st) Underlined Note = retune that string
down.
Dropped D = D A D G B E
Double Drop D = D A D G B D
DadGad = D A D G AD
Open G = DG D G B D
Open D = D A DF#AD
Keith Richards and Open D Tuning / Rolling Stones
I played for about a year in a Rolling Stones tribute band and many of the songs (including a
few hits) used Open D tuning. Keith Richards also removed the low E string when playing in this
tuning. I played strictly Rhythm when doing these parts.
In my experiments with it I didn't find it very useful for lead guitar (came up with a few good
Country/Jazzy style runs using open strings tho'). But it sits in well for Slide Blues too.
Try your own = I can't remember what tuning I used in this little Yamaha guitar demo ;-()
doh! it's a bit twangy to say the least but I liked the mood - might get a chance to
re-record it someday.
Open Tunes A few well known songs and bands that have used alternate tunings in the
past include -
The Beatles - Dear Prudence (Dropped D)
James Taylor - Country Roads (Dropped D)
Led Zeppelin - Goin' to California (Dropped D)
Led Zeppelin - Black Mountain Side ( DadGad)
Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi (Open D)
Led Zeppelin - Bron Y Aur Stamp ( Open G)
Recognized Open Tuning Artists
There are many virtuoso's of alternate guitar tuning recorded. Here's just a few of the big names
you might like to check out. There not always to be found on Top of the Pops but hey -
someone's recently covered and re-released some of 70s songstress Joni Mitchell's stuff.
Ry Cooder/Leo Kottke/Stefan Grossman/John Renbourne/Bert Jansch/Adrian Legg -
Stunning players in their field.
Chet Atkins - Unbelievable in ANY tuning!
Pierre Bensusan - Absolute master of DADGAD, has to be seen and heard.
Michael Hedges - Big hit from the 80s on.
Jimmy Page - Folky-Rock tunings are still in vogue you know.
Bonnie Raitt - Bluesy Mama.
For Flatpicking/Bluegrass virtuoso stuff you could also try Tony Rice, Dan Crary and
Clarence White.
Robert Johnson/Son House/Muddy Waters/- Blues Master's often use open G/D and so
on for simple but powerful Slide Guitar. These tunings automatically give you one-finger
and slide Barre Chords.
Nanci Griffith - Colorful Country Gal has used alternate tunings in some of her hits.
Stanley Jordan - the "10 fingered Octopus" type player - I love the self penned track "All
the Children". Special alternate tuning on a customized electric guitar - also uses special
fitted dampers etc. I read in Guitar Player years ago, that this incredible player got his first
album released back in the 80's as far as I remember, after he was noticed busking on
the street - I'll dig it out...
Richie Havens - I remember seeing a video of this guy opening up the famous 60's
festival Woodstock - coool man. He only used his thumb and of course Open Tuning, to
play simple Barre Chords throughout the set. I remember he went pretty crazy and even
busted a string I think - peace man ::_)).
Most if not all of these artists above are listed at Amazon - just copy and paste the players
name into the search boxes below and see what you come up with. My absolute top
recommendation for starting would be Pierre Bensusan. His use of the alternate tuning
Dadgad, mixed with his technique, style and effects is stunning and unique.
Books USA
Books Europe - UK
Ok that's all for now gotta go and practice - remember if you need an instant boost to your
playing or songwriting, alternate guitar tunings are a seriously fast option - recommended.
