Our Expert Guide to Alternative Tunings

Published on 21/04/2020 15:16

We’d like to invite you on an adventure into a world of alternate guitar tunings.

Sounds exciting, right?

Yup! It is. Mastering alternative tunings can really open up a wealth of opportunities when it comes to playing, performing and writing tunes. Although it may feel a little daunting, especially if you feel that you've only just mastered standard tuning, switching up your tuning can be a whole lotta fun!

We are here to help you on your alternative guitar tuning journey with a friendly face from our Glasgow Store - Bobby! Watch the videos below to find out more.

And of course, unless you’re feeling uber-confident, make sure you have a tuner to hand. It will probably end up sounding really funky if you try to trust your ear for this one. And not the good funky. The bad funky!

Ready? Ok! Lets go…

DADGAD

Ah, sweet sweet DADGAD. This tuning is most popular in folk and acoustic music but can also be used on the electric guitar too to achieve some awesome sounds. With DADGAD it’s really easy to get creative so dive in and watch the video below to find out how Bobby uses it!

EADGBD#

Looking to spice things up? Well, Bobby is here to show you how with this EADGBD# tuning, which he describes as a thinker. Intrigued? Keep on watching...

CGDCGE

Used by the likes of Soundgarden and Bon Iver, open C tuning can be used in a variety of ways and is extremely versatile. So, whether you are looking to take your tunes to a new level of heavy or if you are wanting to add some depth to you acoustic tones, watch on...

We've only just scratched the surface as there are lots of fun and interesting tunings out there for you to mess around with. Experimenting with altered tunings is fun, easy to do and presents interesting new challenges for any player. What’s your favourite tuning to play in?


Recommended Articles

The GREATEST Guitar INTROS Ever!

The GREATEST Guitar INTROS Ever!

14 Greatest INDIE Guitarists EVER!

14 Greatest INDIE Guitarists EVER!

9 BEST Guitars with a FLOYD ROSE Tremolo: Your 2025 Guide

9 BEST Guitars with a FLOYD ROSE Tremolo: Your 2025 Guide

Modern Vintage Acoustic Guitars

Modern Vintage Acoustic Guitars

11 Best Ever SESSION Guitarists

11 Best Ever SESSION Guitarists

YAMAHA Guitar and Bass Timeline: From the 1960s to NOW

YAMAHA Guitar and Bass Timeline: From the 1960s to NOW

Top 10 Steve Vai Moments

Top 10 Steve Vai Moments

11 Songs About WINTER

11 Songs About WINTER

The Rise of Headless Guitars (Updated for November 2025)

The Rise of Headless Guitars (Updated for November 2025)

The Best METAL Guitar Players EVER!

The Best METAL Guitar Players EVER!

Songs Based on TRUE EVENTS

Songs Based on TRUE EVENTS

The GREATEST Song LYRICS Ever!

The GREATEST Song LYRICS Ever!

Bruce SPRINGSTEEN Gear Guide: How to Sound Like The BOSS

Bruce SPRINGSTEEN Gear Guide: How to Sound Like The BOSS

10 Best GHOST Songs EVER!

10 Best GHOST Songs EVER!

6 Things To Do With Your New Guitar (Updated for October 2025)

6 Things To Do With Your New Guitar (Updated for October 2025)

U2: How to Sound Like The Edge

U2: How to Sound Like The Edge

Squier Guitars: Your 2025 Guide

Squier Guitars: Your 2025 Guide

IBANEZ Guitar Naming Conventions EXPLAINED!

IBANEZ Guitar Naming Conventions EXPLAINED!

15 GUITARS from Your Favourite FILMS, TV & Videogames! UPDATED for October 2025

15 GUITARS from Your Favourite FILMS, TV & Videogames! UPDATED for October 2025

OZZY Osbourne's Guitarists

OZZY Osbourne's Guitarists

See More Guides