Guitar Tunings Explained: Standard, Drop D, Open G, DADGAD and More
Standard tuning (E A D G B E) is a brilliant compromise — comfortable chords, logical scales. But alternate tunings unlock sounds standard tuning simply can't make: droning open strings, one-finger power chords, lush slide voicings. Here are the tunings every guitarist should know.
Drop D — D A D G B E
The gateway alternate tuning: lower only the 6th string a whole step from E to D. Power chords on the bottom three strings become a single-finger barre, and the low D adds weight to riffs. Used everywhere from Nirvana and Foo Fighters to Tool. Tune to Drop D →
Half Step Down — Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
Every string down one semitone. Slightly slacker feel (easier bends), slightly darker tone, and friendlier keys for singers. Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Guns N' Roses lived here. Tune half step down →
Open G — D G D G B D
Strumming all open strings gives a G major chord. The home of Keith Richards' riffs (he removes the low string entirely) and a staple for slide players. Great for blues and folk fingerpicking. Tune to Open G →
Open D — D A D F# A D
An open D major chord with a deep, piano-like resonance. Joni Mitchell, slide blues, and lap-style playing. Its cousin Open C goes even deeper. Tune to Open D →
DADGAD — the "Celtic" tuning
Neither major nor minor — a suspended, modal sound that rings beautifully under melodies. The backbone of Celtic fingerstyle and Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir". Tune to DADGAD →
Full Step Down — D G C F A D
Standard tuning's shapes, two frets lower. Thicker tone and vocal-friendly keys; common in grunge and doom. Consider slightly heavier strings to keep tension. Tune a full step down →
Tips for switching tunings
- Always retune upward to the target note for stability.
- Use the note-lock feature in the tuner when a string is far from its target — it keeps the tuner pointed at the right note.
- Expect drift right after a big tuning change; the neck settles for a minute or two.
- Heavier gauges help if you spend most of your time in lowered tunings.