DIfferent Types of Guitar Tunings

From Standard to Drop A, different guitar tunings create the backbone of many music genres.

Unlock a new world of musical possibilities by discovering the guitar tunings that define music.

See how some of the world’s most famous guitarists use them to create their iconic sound.

Explore different tunings and find out how they can impact your own music.

Let’s dive in and explore the world of guitar tunings!

Key Takeaways

• Standard tuning (EADGBE) is the most commonly used guitar tuning across all genres of music, including classic rock, folk, and blues.
• Drop D tuning (DADGBE) is popular in nu-metal and allows for easier power chord playing. It has been used by bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit.
• D Standard tuning (DGCFAD) and Drop C tuning (CGCFAD) are both popular in metal, rock, and blues, with D Standard offering a darker tone and Drop C providing a heavier sound.
• Drop B tuning (BADGBE or BGbBFAbDb) and Drop A tuning (AEADF#B) are even lower tunings used in metal genres like doom and drone metal. Thicker strings may be needed for these tunings to maintain tension.

Standard Tuning

You may be familiar with the most commonly used guitar tuning across all genres of music: standard tuning (EADGBE). Classic rock, folk, and blues are typically played in this tuning, as used by guitar giants like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

While standard tuning is great for many songs, you may want to explore alternate tunings for a unique sound. Benefits of using alternate tunings in standard tuning songs include heavier and darker tones, easier power chords, and the ability to transition from standard tuning to alternate tunings.

To transition, you need to retune the strings to the desired tuning, such as Drop D (DADGBE), D Standard (DGCFAD), Drop C (DGCFAD), Drop B (BADGBE or BGbBFAbDb), Drop A (AEADF#B), or Open G (DGDGBD). These tunings are popular in metal, rock, blues, and slide guitar playing, and are used by bands such as Metallica, Korn, TOOL, Lamb of God, Nirvana, Mastodon, and The Rolling Stones.

Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning (DADGBE) can help you create heavier and darker sounds. It’s versatile, and has been used by everyone from The Beatles and Nirvana to Korn and Limp Bizkit. It’s also popular in nu-metal and allows for easier power chord playing.

Drop D tuning can have a profound impact on your guitar techniques, providing a heavier and darker tone. You’ll be able to play in a variety of styles, from classic rock and blues to metal and doom. Plus, you can take advantage of the unique chord voicings and slide techniques that open up with this tuning.

If you’re looking for a darker and heavier sound, Drop D tuning is worth exploring. And you definitely have to read our article on how to use it.

D Standard Tuning

Interestingly, D Standard tuning (DGCFAD) offers a darker tone while still allowing the same freedom of playing as standard tuning. Exploring the versatility of D Standard tuning, bands like Mastodon and OPETH have used it to create a unique sound.

The evolution of D Standard tuning in metal music has allowed for heavier and darker tones, suitable for genres like doom and drone metal. This tuning also works for all scales, shapes, and patterns that would be used in standard tuning. In addition, it’s popular for blues, rock, and metal.

D Standard tuning has been used by masters like Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix, demonstrating its range of possibilities. The evolution of D Standard tuning in metal music has given rise to heavier and darker sounds that can only be achieved by this tuning.

Drop C Tuning

With its ease of playing power chords and darker tone, Drop C tuning (DGCFAD) is a popular choice for metal, doom, and drone metal. It requires tuning down all strings to D Standard and then dropping the sixth string to C.

This tuning offers a variety of advantages, such as the ability to play power chords with only one finger. Moreover, it creates a heavier and lower sound than standard tuning. Famous songs in Drop C tuning include Converge’s ‘Dark Horse’ and Mastodon’s ‘Divinations’.

Drop C tuning can open up a world of possibilities for guitarists looking to explore heavier and darker sounds. Learn more here.

Drop B Tuning

You’ll find that Drop B tuning (BGbBFAbDb) is two and a half steps lower than standard tuning. Exploring alternate tuning options can be a great way to create new and unique sounds.

Drop B tuning is often used in heavier music genres such as metal, doom, and drone metal. The advantages of using this tuning for those genres is that it creates a denser and lower sound. Thicker strings may be needed to maintain tension and avoid noise.

Bands like Machine Head, At The Gates, and Three Days Grace use Drop B tuning to achieve the heavy tone they’re looking for. This tuning provides unique chord voicings and slide techniques, making it a great option for blues and slide guitar players.

Drop A Tuning

Aside from Drop B tuning, Drop A tuning (AEADF#B) is even lower. It’s commonly used in sludge metal, doom, and drone metal, and it offers several advantages.

Power chords can be played with one finger, and the extreme low tuning creates a dense and heavy sound. Enharmonic pitches may be encountered, but either F# or Gb can be used.

For Drop A tuning, thicker strings may be needed to maintain tension and avoid noise. .012-.056 gauge strings are recommended.

Drop A tuning allows for unique techniques and chord voicings, making it ideal for heavy music. It can also be combined with slide guitar playing for an even heavier sound. Mastodon and OPETH are two bands that have used Drop A tuning to create powerful and unforgettable songs.

While Drop A tuning is considered extreme, it’s still an important tuning for metal guitarists to know.

Open G Tuning

You’ll also discover Open G tuning, which is commonly used in blues and slide guitar playing. It creates a major chord when all strings are played open, allowing for unique chord voicings and slide techniques.

Rolling Stones songs like ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Start Me Up’ are played in Open G tuning, as well as by slide guitarists like Duane Allman and Derek Trucks. Open G tuning is also ideal for creating a bright, open-sounding tone.

The tuning features a major third interval between the third and second strings, which can add a unique flavor to your music. By using open strings, you can create interesting and dynamic sounds that aren’t possible in standard tuning.

To learn everything about Open Tunings read this article: https://riff-mag.com/open-guitar-tuning-and-how-to-use-it/

Frequently Asked Questions

What Gauge Strings Should Be Used for Each Tuning?

Choosing the right strings for each tuning is crucial for tuning accuracy. For standard tuning, .010-.046 gauge strings are best. Drop D requires .011-.052 strings. D Standard needs .012-.056 strings, Drop C requires .013-.060 strings, Drop B needs .014-.064 strings, Drop A needs .012-.056 strings, and Open G calls for .012-.056 strings.

Is It Necessary to Have a Different Guitar for Each Tuning?

No, you don’t need a different guitar for each tuning. Different tunings can be achieved by amplifying the tones and string tensioning. This allows you to use just one guitar for a variety of musical styles.

Do I Need to Make Any Adjustments to My Guitar to Tune It Correctly?

Yes, you may need to make adjustments to your guitar for different tunings. You may need to change your string selection and/or use a capo to properly tune your guitar. Ensure you use the right strings and place the capo in the correct position for the best sound.

How Do I Know if a Tuning Is Right for the Type of Music I Want to Play?

Explore different musical genres and identify the notes used, to find out which tuning is best suited for the type of music you want to play.

Are There Any Tips or Tricks for Tuning My Guitar?

Try tuning your guitar to various alternative tunings to see what works best for your style. Adjust the string action as needed to get the desired sound and playability. Experiment and have fun!

Conclusion

The various guitar tunings used in different genres of music can be a powerful tool for any guitarist. From Standard Tuning to Drop A, each tuning will give your guitar a unique sound.

Experiment with different tunings to create your own signature sound and unlock a world of musical possibilities. With the right tuning, you can take your guitar playing to the next level and define what your music means to you.

Gary Lee

Gary has been in love with music since he was a child. His passion is guitars and everything related to them. He is the founder of
Riff-Mag and can’t wait to share his knowledge with you.