What we guitarists consider “standard tuning” has been around pretty much since the fifth and sixth strings were added to the instrument in the late 1700’s. And, artists being artists, “non-standard” or “alternate” tunings have existed for just about as long. For the sake of our discussions, we will divide guitar tunings into three categories – standard, open, and alternate. On this page you’ll find some great articles and lessons on alternate and open tunings, including some wonderful song lessons and arrangements.
Alternate and Open Tunings
Alternate and open tunings are a great way to explore more of the potential of your guitar, so why not give them a try?
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Check out some of the great video lessons at Jamplay.com. Fall in love with learning guitar again. An exclusive offer for Guitar Noise readers.More Tuning Lessons
How do I tune my guitar using harmonics?
This is essentially the same as tuning by what we’ll call the “normal” method (tuning the A string to the 5th fret of the E string, etc.). The difference is that you use the harmonic notes to tune between the strings. I’m assuming you know how to do harmonics. The easiest places to produce them [...]
How do I tune a 12 string guitar?
I know a lot of people like to number the strings of a twelve-string guitar from one (high E) to twelve, but I find it much easier to number them as a six-string guitar, that is one through six, adding the designation “a” or “b” to each string as well. “A” means closer to the [...]
How to Tune a Guitar
This beginner lesson contains step by step instructions on how to tune a 6 string guitar.
Tuning A Floyd Rose – (or other similar floating bridge)
Once you know how to tune a floating bridge you will realize it’s a very simple process. We’ll start off by explaining how to do it from scratch.
Alternate Writing Styles
The third and final part in our look at alternate tunings. Let’s see how they can be used to write songs and we’ll throw a little bit of theory into the mix.
Cover Story
Part two in our look at alternate tunings. We’re going to see how alternate tunings can be used as a tool for arranging and interpreting old familiar tunes.
On The Tuning Awry
This is the first of three lessons on alternate tunings. We’ll go over the basics of alternate tunings such as why and how to use them with some great examples.
Open Tuning Part II – Here There Be Monsters
This is the second of two parts on open tuning. We’re going to learn how to put together a fretboard map and use it to figure out chords in open tuning.
Open Tuning Part I – Look, Ma, No Hands!
This article is the first of two parts on the use of open tuning. Find out what open tunings are and how to achieve them.
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