Lately I have been writing a lot of my own songs. Its been an interesting time, trying out alternate tunings, different rythms and keys.
Its amazing how you can write something slow and then when you speed it up it fits better or the other way around.
Try playing around with alternate tunings it really can take you in directions with crafting songs.
DADGAD Alternate Tuning – D A D G A D
There is a whole culture of guitarists who play exclusively in DADGAD tuning, as it lends itself well to certain types of styles (celtic music, for example). But, DADGAD has also been explored by Jimmy Page and other rock guitarists.
There is a whole culture of guitarists who play exclusively in DADGAD tuning, as it lends itself well to certain types of styles (celtic music, for example). But, DADGAD has also been explored by Jimmy Page and other rock guitarists.
Drop D Alternate Tuning – D A D G B E
Although this alternate tuning has been around for a long time, the Seattle grunge movement in the early 1990’s brought about it’s popularity. Drop D tuning was used extensively by bands like Nirvana, partly because it made playing power chords with one finger possible.
Although this alternate tuning has been around for a long time, the Seattle grunge movement in the early 1990’s brought about it’s popularity. Drop D tuning was used extensively by bands like Nirvana, partly because it made playing power chords with one finger possible.
Low C Alternate Tuning – C G D G A D
Another somewhat unusual alternate tuning, low C tuning is more often used in Celtic music. You can create some very unique sounds with this one.
Another somewhat unusual alternate tuning, low C tuning is more often used in Celtic music. You can create some very unique sounds with this one.
Open C Alternate Tuning – C G C G C E
Slightly more obscure, open C is tuned to a C major chord, and utilizes a very low sixth string to give the guitar a big, full sound.
Slightly more obscure, open C is tuned to a C major chord, and utilizes a very low sixth string to give the guitar a big, full sound.
Open D Alternate Tuning – D A D F# A D
When the open strings are strummed in this alternate tuning, the sound of a D major chord is produced. This has made this tuning a favorite of slide players, who can simply lay their slide straight across one fret to play chords.
When the open strings are strummed in this alternate tuning, the sound of a D major chord is produced. This has made this tuning a favorite of slide players, who can simply lay their slide straight across one fret to play chords.
Open G Alternate Tuning – D G D G B D
Keith Richards has always loved this alternate tuning, and has written many classic Rolling Stones riffs in open G. Many slide players also prefer open G, which is tuned to a G major chord.
Keith Richards has always loved this alternate tuning, and has written many classic Rolling Stones riffs in open G. Many slide players also prefer open G, which is tuned to a G major chord.
The above are some alternate tunings you can try. Another one I like is
DADDDDD – be careful with this though as you can end up breaking a string tuning up!
