Guitar tunings almost always refers to the
pitchPitch is an auditory perceptual property that allows the ordering of sounds on a frequency-related scale.Pitches are compared as "higher" and "lower" in the sense associated with musical melodies,...
of the open ("unfretted") string, though some
tunings may only realistically be attained by the use of a
capoA capo is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
on an unmodified instrument.
Like many other stringed instruments,
guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
tunings can be easily modified. When speaking of a tuning such as standard tuning, EADGBE refers to the pitches of the strings from lowest pitch (low E) to highest (high E).
Standard tuning
Standard tuning is by far the most popular tuning on a 6-string
guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
. It consists of the following notes.
| String |
Note |
FrequencyFrequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time. It is also referred to as temporal frequency.The period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event, so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency...
|
Scientific pitch notation Scientific pitch notation is one of several methods that name the notes of the standard Western chromatic scale by combining a letter-name, accidentals, and a number identifying the pitch's octave...
|
| 1 (Highest) |
e' |
329.63 Hz |
E4 |
| 2 |
b |
246.94 Hz |
B3 |
| 3 |
g |
196.00 Hz |
G3 |
| 4 |
d |
146.83 Hz |
D3 |
| 5 |
A |
110.00 Hz |
A2 |
| 6 (Lowest) |
E |
82.41 Hz |
E2 |
The pitches referred to above are referenced standard pitch (a' = 440.0
Hz.The hertz is the SI unit of frequency defined as the number of cycles per second of a periodic phenomenon. One of its most common uses is the description of the sine wave, particularly those used in radio and audio applications....
). In some regions of Europe, especially Germany, Serbia and Poland, and in Russia and Ukraine, where classical musicians use the German system, the B natural is indicated with the letter H: in music notation, H is B (B natural) and B is B (B flat).
- The guitar, as conventionally fretted, is an equal tempered
An equal temperament is a musical temperament, or a system of tuning, in which every pair of adjacent notes has an identical frequency ratio. As pitch is perceived roughly as the logarithm of frequency, this means that the perceived "distance" from every note to its nearest neighbor is the same for...
instrument.
- The guitar is a transposing instrument
A transposing instrument is a musical instrument for which written notes are read at a pitch different from the corresponding concert pitch, which a non-transposing instrument, such as a piano, would play. Playing a written C on a transposing instrument will produce a note other than concert C...
. In the case of the guitar, its actual pitches sound one octave lower than notated.
- Letter names in table reflect pitch in Helmholtz pitch notation
Helmholtz pitch notation is a musical system for naming notes of the Western chromatic scale. Developed by the German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz, it uses a combination of upper and lower case letters , and the sub- and super-prime symbols to describe each individual note of the scale...
.
This pattern can also be denoted as E-A-d-g-b-e'. (See
noteIn music, the term note has two primary meanings:#A sign used in musical notation to represent the relative duration and pitch of a sound;#A pitched sound itself....
for an explanation of the various symbols used in the above table and elsewhere in this article.)
Standard tuning has evolved to provide a good compromise between simple fingering for many
chordsIn music, a guitar chord is a chord, or collection of tones usually sounded together at once, played on a guitar. It can be composed of notes played on adjacent or separate strings or all the strings together...
and the ability to play common scales with minimal left hand movement.
The separation of the first (e') and second (b) string, as well as the separation between the third (g), fourth (d), fifth (A), and sixth (E) strings by a five-semitone interval (a
perfect fourthIn classical music from Western culture, a fourth is a musical interval encompassing four staff positions , and the perfect fourth is a fourth spanning five semitones. For example, the ascending interval from C to the next F is a perfect fourth, as the note F lies five semitones above C, and there...
) allows notes of the
chromatic scaleThe chromatic scale is a musical scale with twelve pitches, each a semitone apart. On a modern piano or other equal-tempered instrument, all the half steps are the same size...
to be played with each of the four fingers of the left hand controlling one of the first four
fretA fret is a raised portion on the neck of a stringed instrument, that extends generally across the full width of the neck. On most modern western instruments, frets are metal strips inserted into the fingerboard...
s (index finger on fret 1, little finger on fret 4, etc.). It also yields a symmetry and intelligibility to fingering patterns.
The separation of the second (b), and third (g) string is by a four-
semitoneA semitone, also called a half step or a half tone, is the smallest musical interval commonly used in Western tonal music, and it is considered the most dissonant when sounded harmonically....
interval (a
major thirdIn classical music from Western culture, a third is a musical interval encompassing three staff positions , and the major third is one of two commonly occurring thirds. It is qualified as major because it is the largest of the two: the major third spans four semitones, the minor third three...
). Though this breaks the fingering pattern of the chromatic scale and thus the symmetry, it eases the playing of some often-used
chordsA chord in music is any harmonic set of two–three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously. These need not actually be played together: arpeggios and broken chords may for many practical and theoretical purposes be understood as chords...
and scales, and it provides more diversity in fingering possibilities.
| | | I | | | |
| | open | 1st fret (index) | 2nd fret (middle) | 3rd fret (ring) | 4th fret (little) |
| 1st string |
e' |
f' |
f' |
g' |
a' |
| 2nd string |
b |
c' |
c' |
d' |
e' |
| 3rd string |
g |
a |
a |
b |
... |
| 4th string |
d |
e |
e |
f |
f |
| 5th string |
A |
B |
B |
c |
c |
| 6th string |
E |
F |
F |
G |
A |
| Chromatic note progression |
It is important to note that the relative harmonic ratio (e.g. semitones-steps) between neighboring strings, does not change when moving up the frets. For example when considering the 1st and 2nd strings:
e' to b (open strings) is like f' to c' (1st fret) is like f' to c' (2nd fret) etc.
The chromatic (equal tempered) musical scale and the natural musical scale have note pitches that are in some instances similar. The natural musical scale uses natural harmonic pitches. For example, the A note has harmonics pitches for the D and E notes. The guitar fretboard can approximately accommodate to tuning to the chromatic or natural musical scale by adjusting the intonation by a little. Intonation is tuning of the fret notes to other fret notes of one string so that most of the fretboard note pitches are tuned to the pitches of the musical scale. Intonation tuning is done by adjusting the string lengths at the bridge. The open string note of a particular string is kept constant so that when adjusting the string length, most of the fretboard pitches are closely matched to the pitches of the musical scale for this string. Tune the open string by adjusting the string tension at the tuning gear using a decent electronic tuner for tuning. Then check the intonation tuning of the fifth, seventh, ninth, twelfth, sixteenth and nineteenth fret note pitches of this string by ear using an electronic chromatic pitch pipe that comes with the above tuner. If these pitches are too high, move the bridge saddle back (away from fretboard) from about 0.5 to about 9 millimetres for the sixth string for a 0.65 metre scale length. If these fret note pitches are too low, then move the bridge saddle forward a little instead. Next tune intonation of other strings each in same way.
Alternative tunings
Alternative tuningA scordatura , also called cross-tuning, is an alternative tuning used for the open strings of a string instrument, in which the notes indicated in the score would represent the finger position as if played in regular tuning, while the actual pitch is altered...
refers to any open string note arrangement other than that of standard tuning detailed above. Despite the usefulness and current almost universal acceptance of modern standard tuning, over the centuries of the development of the guitar many guitarists have employed such alternative tuning arrangements in order to exploit the unique chord voicing and sonorities that result from them. Some musicians use alternate tunings exclusively, especially in
folk musicFolk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
where the guitar is often fulfilling the role of indigenous instruments with their own drones and sound. Most alternative tunings necessarily change the chord shapes associated with standard tuning, which results in certain chords becoming much easier to play while others may become nearly impossible to play.
As a standard set of guitar strings is designed to be tuned to the standard notes, alternative tunings may require not just a different tuning, but re-stringing of the guitar with strings of a different gauge better suited to the open string note. In turn, further adjustments to the applicable parts of the guitar, such as the
truss rodThe truss rod is part of a guitar or banjo used to stabilize and adjust the lengthwise forward curvature , of the neck. Usually it is a steel rod that runs inside the neck and has a bolt that can be used to adjust its tension...
, the
nutThe nut of a string instrument is a small piece of hard material which supports the strings at the end closest to the headstock or scroll. The nut marks one end of the speaking length of each open string, sets the spacing of the strings across the neck, and usually holds the strings at the proper...
, and the
bridgeA bridge is a device for supporting the strings on a stringed instrument and transmitting the vibration of those strings to some other structural component of the instrument in order to transfer the sound to the surrounding air.- Explanation :...
to cope with the different tensions placed on the guitar may be required. In some tunings, such as those requiring the substitution of a
Bass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
string on a regular 6 string guitar, fitting different components will be required to cope with the different gauges used. The Seattle based band The Presidents of the United States of America use instruments called the basitar and guitbass which are examples of heavily modified production model 6 string guitars utilizing extreme tunings.
Lower tunings
Derived from standard EADGBE, all the strings are tuned lower by the same interval, thus providing the same chord positions transposed to a lower key. Lower Tunings are popular among rock and heavy metal bands. The reason for tuning down below standard pitch is usually either to accommodate a singer's vocal range or to get a deeper/heavier sound.
- D/E
Guitar tunings almost always refers to the pitchPitch is an auditory perceptual property that allows the ordering of sounds on a frequency-related scale.Pitches are compared as "higher" and "lower" in the sense associated with musical melodies,...
of the open ("unfretted") string, though some tunings may only realistically be attained by the use of a capoA capo is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
on an unmodified instrument.
Like many other stringed instruments, guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
tunings can be easily modified. When speaking of a tuning such as standard tuning, EADGBE refers to the pitches of the strings from lowest pitch (low E) to highest (high E).
Standard tuning
Standard tuning is by far the most popular tuning on a 6-string guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
. It consists of the following notes.
| String |
Note |
FrequencyFrequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time. It is also referred to as temporal frequency.The period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event, so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency...
|
Scientific pitch notation Scientific pitch notation is one of several methods that name the notes of the standard Western chromatic scale by combining a letter-name, accidentals, and a number identifying the pitch's octave...
|
| 1 (Highest) |
e' |
329.63 Hz |
E4 |
| 2 |
b |
246.94 Hz |
B3 |
| 3 |
g |
196.00 Hz |
G3 |
| 4 |
d |
146.83 Hz |
D3 |
| 5 |
A |
110.00 Hz |
A2 |
| 6 (Lowest) |
E |
82.41 Hz |
E2 |
The pitches referred to above are referenced standard pitch (a' = 440.0 Hz.The hertz is the SI unit of frequency defined as the number of cycles per second of a periodic phenomenon. One of its most common uses is the description of the sine wave, particularly those used in radio and audio applications....
). In some regions of Europe, especially Germany, Serbia and Poland, and in Russia and Ukraine, where classical musicians use the German system, the B natural is indicated with the letter H: in music notation, H is B{{music|♮}} (B natural) and B is B{{music|♭}} (B flat).
- The guitar, as conventionally fretted, is an equal tempered
An equal temperament is a musical temperament, or a system of tuning, in which every pair of adjacent notes has an identical frequency ratio. As pitch is perceived roughly as the logarithm of frequency, this means that the perceived "distance" from every note to its nearest neighbor is the same for...
instrument.
- The guitar is a transposing instrument
A transposing instrument is a musical instrument for which written notes are read at a pitch different from the corresponding concert pitch, which a non-transposing instrument, such as a piano, would play. Playing a written C on a transposing instrument will produce a note other than concert C...
. In the case of the guitar, its actual pitches sound one octave lower than notated.
- Letter names in table reflect pitch in Helmholtz pitch notation
Helmholtz pitch notation is a musical system for naming notes of the Western chromatic scale. Developed by the German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz, it uses a combination of upper and lower case letters , and the sub- and super-prime symbols to describe each individual note of the scale...
.
This pattern can also be denoted as E-A-d-g-b-e'. (See noteIn music, the term note has two primary meanings:#A sign used in musical notation to represent the relative duration and pitch of a sound;#A pitched sound itself....
for an explanation of the various symbols used in the above table and elsewhere in this article.)
Standard tuning has evolved to provide a good compromise between simple fingering for many chordsIn music, a guitar chord is a chord, or collection of tones usually sounded together at once, played on a guitar. It can be composed of notes played on adjacent or separate strings or all the strings together...
and the ability to play common scales with minimal left hand movement.
The separation of the first (e') and second (b) string, as well as the separation between the third (g), fourth (d), fifth (A), and sixth (E) strings by a five-semitone interval (a perfect fourthIn classical music from Western culture, a fourth is a musical interval encompassing four staff positions , and the perfect fourth is a fourth spanning five semitones. For example, the ascending interval from C to the next F is a perfect fourth, as the note F lies five semitones above C, and there...
) allows notes of the chromatic scaleThe chromatic scale is a musical scale with twelve pitches, each a semitone apart. On a modern piano or other equal-tempered instrument, all the half steps are the same size...
to be played with each of the four fingers of the left hand controlling one of the first four fretA fret is a raised portion on the neck of a stringed instrument, that extends generally across the full width of the neck. On most modern western instruments, frets are metal strips inserted into the fingerboard...
s (index finger on fret 1, little finger on fret 4, etc.). It also yields a symmetry and intelligibility to fingering patterns.
The separation of the second (b), and third (g) string is by a four-semitoneA semitone, also called a half step or a half tone, is the smallest musical interval commonly used in Western tonal music, and it is considered the most dissonant when sounded harmonically....
interval (a major thirdIn classical music from Western culture, a third is a musical interval encompassing three staff positions , and the major third is one of two commonly occurring thirds. It is qualified as major because it is the largest of the two: the major third spans four semitones, the minor third three...
). Though this breaks the fingering pattern of the chromatic scale and thus the symmetry, it eases the playing of some often-used chordsA chord in music is any harmonic set of two–three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously. These need not actually be played together: arpeggios and broken chords may for many practical and theoretical purposes be understood as chords...
and scales, and it provides more diversity in fingering possibilities.
| | | I | | | |
| | open | 1st fret (index) | 2nd fret (middle) | 3rd fret (ring) | 4th fret (little) |
| 1st string |
e' |
f' |
f{{Music|♯}}' |
g' |
a{{Music|♭}}' |
| 2nd string |
b |
c' |
c{{Music|♯}}' |
d' |
e{{Music|♭}}' |
| 3rd string |
g |
a{{Music|♭}} |
a |
b{{Music|♭}} |
... |
| 4th string |
d |
e{{Music|♭}} |
e |
f |
f{{Music|♯}} |
| 5th string |
A |
B{{Music|♭}} |
B |
c |
c{{Music|♯}} |
| 6th string |
E |
F |
F{{Music|♯}} |
G |
A{{Music|♭}} |
| Chromatic note progression |
It is important to note that the relative harmonic ratio (e.g. semitones-steps) between neighboring strings, does not change when moving up the frets. For example when considering the 1st and 2nd strings:
e' to b (open strings) is like f' to c' (1st fret) is like f{{Music|♯}}' to c{{Music|♯}}' (2nd fret) etc.
The chromatic (equal tempered) musical scale and the natural musical scale have note pitches that are in some instances similar. The natural musical scale uses natural harmonic pitches. For example, the A note has harmonics pitches for the D and E notes. The guitar fretboard can approximately accommodate to tuning to the chromatic or natural musical scale by adjusting the intonation by a little. Intonation is tuning of the fret notes to other fret notes of one string so that most of the fretboard note pitches are tuned to the pitches of the musical scale. Intonation tuning is done by adjusting the string lengths at the bridge. The open string note of a particular string is kept constant so that when adjusting the string length, most of the fretboard pitches are closely matched to the pitches of the musical scale for this string. Tune the open string by adjusting the string tension at the tuning gear using a decent electronic tuner for tuning. Then check the intonation tuning of the fifth, seventh, ninth, twelfth, sixteenth and nineteenth fret note pitches of this string by ear using an electronic chromatic pitch pipe that comes with the above tuner. If these pitches are too high, move the bridge saddle back (away from fretboard) from about 0.5 to about 9 millimetres for the sixth string for a 0.65 metre scale length. If these fret note pitches are too low, then move the bridge saddle forward a little instead. Next tune intonation of other strings each in same way.
Alternative tunings
Alternative tuningA scordatura , also called cross-tuning, is an alternative tuning used for the open strings of a string instrument, in which the notes indicated in the score would represent the finger position as if played in regular tuning, while the actual pitch is altered...
refers to any open string note arrangement other than that of standard tuning detailed above. Despite the usefulness and current almost universal acceptance of modern standard tuning, over the centuries of the development of the guitar many guitarists have employed such alternative tuning arrangements in order to exploit the unique chord voicing and sonorities that result from them. Some musicians use alternate tunings exclusively, especially in folk musicFolk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
where the guitar is often fulfilling the role of indigenous instruments with their own drones and sound. Most alternative tunings necessarily change the chord shapes associated with standard tuning, which results in certain chords becoming much easier to play while others may become nearly impossible to play.
As a standard set of guitar strings is designed to be tuned to the standard notes, alternative tunings may require not just a different tuning, but re-stringing of the guitar with strings of a different gauge better suited to the open string note. In turn, further adjustments to the applicable parts of the guitar, such as the truss rodThe truss rod is part of a guitar or banjo used to stabilize and adjust the lengthwise forward curvature , of the neck. Usually it is a steel rod that runs inside the neck and has a bolt that can be used to adjust its tension...
, the nutThe nut of a string instrument is a small piece of hard material which supports the strings at the end closest to the headstock or scroll. The nut marks one end of the speaking length of each open string, sets the spacing of the strings across the neck, and usually holds the strings at the proper...
, and the bridgeA bridge is a device for supporting the strings on a stringed instrument and transmitting the vibration of those strings to some other structural component of the instrument in order to transfer the sound to the surrounding air.- Explanation :...
to cope with the different tensions placed on the guitar may be required. In some tunings, such as those requiring the substitution of a Bass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
string on a regular 6 string guitar, fitting different components will be required to cope with the different gauges used. The Seattle based band The Presidents of the United States of America use instruments called the basitar and guitbass which are examples of heavily modified production model 6 string guitars utilizing extreme tunings.
Lower tunings
Derived from standard EADGBE, all the strings are tuned lower by the same interval, thus providing the same chord positions transposed to a lower key. Lower Tunings are popular among rock and heavy metal bands. The reason for tuning down below standard pitch is usually either to accommodate a singer's vocal range or to get a deeper/heavier sound.
- D{{music|sharp}}/E
Guitar tunings almost always refers to the pitchPitch is an auditory perceptual property that allows the ordering of sounds on a frequency-related scale.Pitches are compared as "higher" and "lower" in the sense associated with musical melodies,...
of the open ("unfretted") string, though some tunings may only realistically be attained by the use of a capoA capo is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
on an unmodified instrument.
Like many other stringed instruments, guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
tunings can be easily modified. When speaking of a tuning such as standard tuning, EADGBE refers to the pitches of the strings from lowest pitch (low E) to highest (high E).
Standard tuning
Standard tuning is by far the most popular tuning on a 6-string guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
. It consists of the following notes.
| String |
Note |
FrequencyFrequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time. It is also referred to as temporal frequency.The period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event, so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency...
|
Scientific pitch notation Scientific pitch notation is one of several methods that name the notes of the standard Western chromatic scale by combining a letter-name, accidentals, and a number identifying the pitch's octave...
|
| 1 (Highest) |
e' |
329.63 Hz |
E4 |
| 2 |
b |
246.94 Hz |
B3 |
| 3 |
g |
196.00 Hz |
G3 |
| 4 |
d |
146.83 Hz |
D3 |
| 5 |
A |
110.00 Hz |
A2 |
| 6 (Lowest) |
E |
82.41 Hz |
E2 |
The pitches referred to above are referenced standard pitch (a' = 440.0 Hz.The hertz is the SI unit of frequency defined as the number of cycles per second of a periodic phenomenon. One of its most common uses is the description of the sine wave, particularly those used in radio and audio applications....
). In some regions of Europe, especially Germany, Serbia and Poland, and in Russia and Ukraine, where classical musicians use the German system, the B natural is indicated with the letter H: in music notation, H is B{{music|♮}} (B natural) and B is B{{music|♭}} (B flat).
- The guitar, as conventionally fretted, is an equal tempered
An equal temperament is a musical temperament, or a system of tuning, in which every pair of adjacent notes has an identical frequency ratio. As pitch is perceived roughly as the logarithm of frequency, this means that the perceived "distance" from every note to its nearest neighbor is the same for...
instrument.
- The guitar is a transposing instrument
A transposing instrument is a musical instrument for which written notes are read at a pitch different from the corresponding concert pitch, which a non-transposing instrument, such as a piano, would play. Playing a written C on a transposing instrument will produce a note other than concert C...
. In the case of the guitar, its actual pitches sound one octave lower than notated.
- Letter names in table reflect pitch in Helmholtz pitch notation
Helmholtz pitch notation is a musical system for naming notes of the Western chromatic scale. Developed by the German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz, it uses a combination of upper and lower case letters , and the sub- and super-prime symbols to describe each individual note of the scale...
.
This pattern can also be denoted as E-A-d-g-b-e'. (See noteIn music, the term note has two primary meanings:#A sign used in musical notation to represent the relative duration and pitch of a sound;#A pitched sound itself....
for an explanation of the various symbols used in the above table and elsewhere in this article.)
Standard tuning has evolved to provide a good compromise between simple fingering for many chordsIn music, a guitar chord is a chord, or collection of tones usually sounded together at once, played on a guitar. It can be composed of notes played on adjacent or separate strings or all the strings together...
and the ability to play common scales with minimal left hand movement.
The separation of the first (e') and second (b) string, as well as the separation between the third (g), fourth (d), fifth (A), and sixth (E) strings by a five-semitone interval (a perfect fourthIn classical music from Western culture, a fourth is a musical interval encompassing four staff positions , and the perfect fourth is a fourth spanning five semitones. For example, the ascending interval from C to the next F is a perfect fourth, as the note F lies five semitones above C, and there...
) allows notes of the chromatic scaleThe chromatic scale is a musical scale with twelve pitches, each a semitone apart. On a modern piano or other equal-tempered instrument, all the half steps are the same size...
to be played with each of the four fingers of the left hand controlling one of the first four fretA fret is a raised portion on the neck of a stringed instrument, that extends generally across the full width of the neck. On most modern western instruments, frets are metal strips inserted into the fingerboard...
s (index finger on fret 1, little finger on fret 4, etc.). It also yields a symmetry and intelligibility to fingering patterns.
The separation of the second (b), and third (g) string is by a four-semitoneA semitone, also called a half step or a half tone, is the smallest musical interval commonly used in Western tonal music, and it is considered the most dissonant when sounded harmonically....
interval (a major thirdIn classical music from Western culture, a third is a musical interval encompassing three staff positions , and the major third is one of two commonly occurring thirds. It is qualified as major because it is the largest of the two: the major third spans four semitones, the minor third three...
). Though this breaks the fingering pattern of the chromatic scale and thus the symmetry, it eases the playing of some often-used chordsA chord in music is any harmonic set of two–three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously. These need not actually be played together: arpeggios and broken chords may for many practical and theoretical purposes be understood as chords...
and scales, and it provides more diversity in fingering possibilities.
| | | I | | | |
| | open | 1st fret (index) | 2nd fret (middle) | 3rd fret (ring) | 4th fret (little) |
| 1st string |
e' |
f' |
f{{Music|♯}}' |
g' |
a{{Music|♭}}' |
| 2nd string |
b |
c' |
c{{Music|♯}}' |
d' |
e{{Music|♭}}' |
| 3rd string |
g |
a{{Music|♭}} |
a |
b{{Music|♭}} |
... |
| 4th string |
d |
e{{Music|♭}} |
e |
f |
f{{Music|♯}} |
| 5th string |
A |
B{{Music|♭}} |
B |
c |
c{{Music|♯}} |
| 6th string |
E |
F |
F{{Music|♯}} |
G |
A{{Music|♭}} |
| Chromatic note progression |
It is important to note that the relative harmonic ratio (e.g. semitones-steps) between neighboring strings, does not change when moving up the frets. For example when considering the 1st and 2nd strings:
e' to b (open strings) is like f' to c' (1st fret) is like f{{Music|♯}}' to c{{Music|♯}}' (2nd fret) etc.
The chromatic (equal tempered) musical scale and the natural musical scale have note pitches that are in some instances similar. The natural musical scale uses natural harmonic pitches. For example, the A note has harmonics pitches for the D and E notes. The guitar fretboard can approximately accommodate to tuning to the chromatic or natural musical scale by adjusting the intonation by a little. Intonation is tuning of the fret notes to other fret notes of one string so that most of the fretboard note pitches are tuned to the pitches of the musical scale. Intonation tuning is done by adjusting the string lengths at the bridge. The open string note of a particular string is kept constant so that when adjusting the string length, most of the fretboard pitches are closely matched to the pitches of the musical scale for this string. Tune the open string by adjusting the string tension at the tuning gear using a decent electronic tuner for tuning. Then check the intonation tuning of the fifth, seventh, ninth, twelfth, sixteenth and nineteenth fret note pitches of this string by ear using an electronic chromatic pitch pipe that comes with the above tuner. If these pitches are too high, move the bridge saddle back (away from fretboard) from about 0.5 to about 9 millimetres for the sixth string for a 0.65 metre scale length. If these fret note pitches are too low, then move the bridge saddle forward a little instead. Next tune intonation of other strings each in same way.
Alternative tunings
Alternative tuningA scordatura , also called cross-tuning, is an alternative tuning used for the open strings of a string instrument, in which the notes indicated in the score would represent the finger position as if played in regular tuning, while the actual pitch is altered...
refers to any open string note arrangement other than that of standard tuning detailed above. Despite the usefulness and current almost universal acceptance of modern standard tuning, over the centuries of the development of the guitar many guitarists have employed such alternative tuning arrangements in order to exploit the unique chord voicing and sonorities that result from them. Some musicians use alternate tunings exclusively, especially in folk musicFolk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
where the guitar is often fulfilling the role of indigenous instruments with their own drones and sound. Most alternative tunings necessarily change the chord shapes associated with standard tuning, which results in certain chords becoming much easier to play while others may become nearly impossible to play.
As a standard set of guitar strings is designed to be tuned to the standard notes, alternative tunings may require not just a different tuning, but re-stringing of the guitar with strings of a different gauge better suited to the open string note. In turn, further adjustments to the applicable parts of the guitar, such as the truss rodThe truss rod is part of a guitar or banjo used to stabilize and adjust the lengthwise forward curvature , of the neck. Usually it is a steel rod that runs inside the neck and has a bolt that can be used to adjust its tension...
, the nutThe nut of a string instrument is a small piece of hard material which supports the strings at the end closest to the headstock or scroll. The nut marks one end of the speaking length of each open string, sets the spacing of the strings across the neck, and usually holds the strings at the proper...
, and the bridgeA bridge is a device for supporting the strings on a stringed instrument and transmitting the vibration of those strings to some other structural component of the instrument in order to transfer the sound to the surrounding air.- Explanation :...
to cope with the different tensions placed on the guitar may be required. In some tunings, such as those requiring the substitution of a Bass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
string on a regular 6 string guitar, fitting different components will be required to cope with the different gauges used. The Seattle based band The Presidents of the United States of America use instruments called the basitar and guitbass which are examples of heavily modified production model 6 string guitars utilizing extreme tunings.
Lower tunings
Derived from standard EADGBE, all the strings are tuned lower by the same interval, thus providing the same chord positions transposed to a lower key. Lower Tunings are popular among rock and heavy metal bands. The reason for tuning down below standard pitch is usually either to accommodate a singer's vocal range or to get a deeper/heavier sound.
- D{{music|sharp}}/E{{music - D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}} / E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
Half a step down from standard tuning. Used by bands/artists such as: Jimi HendrixJames Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...
, early Black SabbathBlack Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
, Motörhead, Cannibal CorpseCannibal Corpse is an American death metal band from Buffalo, New York. Formed in 1988, the band has released eleven studio albums, one box set, and one live album...
(up until The BleedingThe Bleeding is the fourth studio album by American death metal band Cannibal Corpse, released in 1994 through Metal Blade Records. It is the last album featuring singer and founding member Chris Barnes and is the first album featuring guitarist Rob Barrett...
), NirvanaNirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, Rise AgainstRise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The band currently consists of Tim McIlrath , Zach Blair , Joe Principe and Brandon Barnes .Rise Against spent its first five years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which it...
, FailureFailure was an American rock band that was active from 1990 to 1997, during which they recorded and released three critically acclaimed albums...
, WeezerWeezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
, Green DayGreen Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Dirnt, and drummer Tre Cool...
, KissKiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
, The HellacoptersThe Hellacopters were a Swedish garage rock band that was formed in 1994 by Nicke Andersson , Dregen , Kenny Håkansson and Robert Eriksson . Andersson had been the drummer for death metal band Entombed and Dregen was taking a break from his full-time band Backyard Babies...
, Backyard BabiesBackyard Babies are a rock band, from Nässjö, Sweden. The band was formed in 1987 and over the years they have released five studio albums and won a Swedish Grammy. The band is now located in Stockholm, Sweden....
, Guns N' RosesGuns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
, Van HalenVan Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band has enjoyed success since the release of its debut album, Van Halen, . As of 2007 Van Halen has sold 80 million albums worldwide and has had the most #1 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart...
, Brand NewBrand New is an American rock band from Long Island, New York. Formed in 2000, the band currently consists of vocalist/guitarist/lyricist Jesse Lacey, guitarist/vocalist/lyricist Vincent Accardi, bassist Garrett Tierney, drummer Brian Lane, and guitarist/keyboardist Derrick Sherman.In the late...
, MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
(in the 1990s), Stevie Ray VaughanStephen Ray "Stevie Ray" Vaughan was an American electric blues guitarist and singer. He was the younger brother of Jimmie Vaughan and frontman for Double Trouble, a band that included bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton. Born in Dallas, Vaughan moved to Austin at the age of 17 and...
, Yngwie Malmsteen, Arpad Kollanyi, Alice in ChainsAlice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr...
, SlayerSlayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, The Smashing PumpkinsThe Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1988. Formed by Billy Corgan frontman and James Iha , the band has included Jimmy Chamberlin , D'arcy Wretzky , and currently includes Jeff Schroeder Mike Byrne , and Nicole Fiorentino The Smashing...
, The Killers, Relient KRelient K is an American rock band formed in 1998 in Canton, Ohio by Matt Thiessen, Brian Pittman, and Matt Hoopes during the band's junior year in high school and their time at Malone University...
, Tracy Riddle with The Polyrhythms, SuedeSuede are an English alternative rock band from London, formed in 1989. The group's most prominent early line-up featured singer Brett Anderson, guitarist Bernard Butler, bass player Mat Osman and drummer Simon Gilbert. By 1992, Suede were hailed as "The Best New Band in Britain", and attracted...
, REDRed is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...
on "Not Alone", Beach HouseBeach House is a dream pop duo formed in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland, consisting of French-born Victoria Legrand and Baltimore native Alex Scally. Their self-titled debut, Beach House, released in 2006, was critically acclaimed. This was followed by their second release, Devotion, in 2008...
, Third DayThird Day is a Grammy award-winning Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members are bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr...
(on "I Can Feel It"), and SkilletSkillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
(on "A Little More").
- D tuning
D Tuning, also called One Step Lower, Whole Step Down, or D Standard, is an alternate tuning for guitar. Each string is lowered by a whole tone or two semitones resulting in D-G-C-F-A-D It is used mostly by heavy metal bands to achieve a heavier, deeper sound and by blues guitarists, who use it to...
- D-G-C-F-A-D
One full step down from standard tuning. Used by bands/artists such as Motley CrueMötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
's Mick MarsMick Mars is the lead guitarist for American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe.-Career:After his family relocated from Indiana, to California, Bob Deal dropped out of high school and began playing guitar in a series of unsuccessful blues based rock bands throughout the seventies, taking on menial day...
, PanteraPantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, Dimmu BorgirDimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
, Drive-By TruckersDrive-By Truckers are an alternative country/Southern rock band based in Athens, Georgia, though three out of six members are originally from The Shoals region of Northern Alabama, and the band strongly identifies with Alabama. Their music uses three guitars as well as bass, drums, and now...
, Children Of BodomChildren of Bodom is a Finnish heavy metal band from Espoo. Formed in 1993, the group currently consists of Alexi Laiho , Roope Latvala , Janne Wirman , Henkka Seppälä , and Jaska Raatikainen...
, Symphony XSymphony X is an American progressive metal band from Middletown, New Jersey.Founded in 1994 by guitarist Michael Romeo, their albums The Divine Wings of Tragedy and V: The New Mythology Suite have given the band considerable attention within the progressive metal community...
, Death, Decrepit BirthDecrepit Birth is a death metal band from Santa Cruz, California, USA, signed to Nuclear Blast. They have released three studio albums through Unique Leader Records and a demo independently...
, Dream TheaterDream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
, All That RemainsAll That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, which formed in 1998. They have released five studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and have sold nearly 800,000 records...
, ExodusExodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career of over 30 years, Exodus has gone through numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members. Guitarist Gary Holt remains the only constant member of the band,...
, Shadows FallShadows Fall is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. They are one of the few contemporary metal bands who take their lyrical influence from Eastern philosophy and some references to the Rastafari culture...
, MastodonMastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1999. The band is composed of bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor...
, LordiLordi is a Finnish hard rock/heavy metal band, formed in 1996 by the band's lead singer, songwriter and costume-designer, Mr. Lordi. The band is known for wearing monster masks and using pyrotechnics during concerts...
, and KreatorKreator is a thrash metal band from Essen, Germany, formed in 1978, but formalized in 1982 under the name Tormentor. They originally performed a speed metal style with Venom influences. Their style of music is similar to their compatriots Destruction and Sodom, the other two big German thrash metal...
. Used in a vast majority of songs by musician Elliott SmithSteven Paul "Elliott" Smith was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity...
. Also used in NirvanaNirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
's songs "Come As You Are", "Lithium" and "Drain You"Drain You" is a 1991 song by American grunge band Nirvana and the eighth track from their breakthrough album Nevermind. It is most famous as a B-side on the band's most successful single "Smells Like Teen Spirit". However, a live version recorded in 1991 appeared on the live album From the Muddy...
", by MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
in their song "Sad but True"Sad but True" is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the fifth and final single from their eponymous fifth album, Metallica....
", by Bullet for My ValentineBullet for My Valentine are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matt Tuck , Michael Paget , Jason James , and Michael Thomas . They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and started their music career by covering songs by Metallica and Nirvana...
in several songs on Scream Aim FireScream Aim Fire is the second studio album by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine, released on 28 January 2008 in the UK and the preceding day in the US...
, and by John FogertyJohn Cameron Fogerty is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for his time with the swamp rock/roots rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival and as a #1 solo recording artist. Fogerty has a rare distinction of being named on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 100 Greatest...
.
- C{{music|sharp}}/D{{music - C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-G{{sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}} / D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}
One and a half steps down. Famously used by Black SabbathBlack Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
's Tony Iommi in the 1970s, as well as Carrie BrownsteinCarrie Rachel Brownstein , is an American musician, writer, and actress, best known as a guitarist and vocalist in the now-defunct Portland, Oregon-based band Sleater-Kinney...
, Dimebag DarrellDarrell Lance Abbott , also known as Diamond Darrell and Dimebag Darrell, was an American guitarist. He was best known as a founding member of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. Abbott also contributed to the album Rebel Meets Rebel, a collaboration between Pantera and David Allan Coe...
of PanteraPantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, Dying FetusDying Fetus is an American death metal band from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Formed in 1991, the group is known for their outspoken political views, and for being one of the few death metal bands who follow a political nature. Earlier lyrics showcased the common death metal trait of explicit violence...
, AnataAnata is a technical death metal band from Varberg, Sweden that formed in 1993.To date, they have released two demos, four albums and a split album with Bethzaida. In 2005, they completed recordings for an album titled The Conductor's Departure, released in June 2006 on Earache Records/Wicked World...
, Corin TuckerCorin Lisa Tucker is a singer and guitarist, best known for her work with rock band Sleater-Kinney.- Early life :In the early 1990s, Tucker attended Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where she studied film, political economy, and social change...
of Sleater-KinneySleater-Kinney was an alternative rock band from Portland, Oregon that formed in 1994. Originally formed in Olympia, Washington, the group's name is derived from Sleater-Kinney Road, Interstate 5 off ramp #108 in Lacey, Washington, the location of one of their early practice spaces. They were a...
, Between the Buried and MeBetween the Buried and Me is an American heavy metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina. They have released a total of five studio albums, as well as a cover album, an EP and a live DVD/CD...
, DownDown is an American heavy metal supergroup that formed in 1991 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, guitarist Kirk Windstein, bassist Pat Bruders and drummer Jimmy Bower. Since their formation, Down has gone on hiatus twice...
, Wormwood Earth, All That RemainsAll That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, which formed in 1998. They have released five studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and have sold nearly 800,000 records...
, Pete LoefflerPete Loeffler is the lead guitarist and lead singer for the Chicago alternative metal band Chevelle. His vocal delivery varies from clean melodic singing to a gut-wrenching scream....
of ChevelleChevelle is an American alternative metal trio that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers and a local friend: Pete Loeffler , Sam Loeffler , and Matt Scott . Matt was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler...
(on Wonder What's Next-Chart positions:Album – Billboard Music Charts Singles – Billboard Music Charts...
), Billy HowerdelBilly Howerdel is the founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer for the bands A Perfect Circle and Ashes Divide. He has recorded three acclaimed studio albums with the former, and in 2008, Ashes Divide released their debut album, Keep Telling Myself It's Alright.-Early life:Howerdel was...
of A Perfect CircleA Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...
and Ashes DivideAshes Divide is an American rock band formed by guitarist Billy Howerdel, who had also formed A Perfect Circle. Howerdel is the primary songwriter, musician, producer, and vocalist for the band....
, Wes BorlandWesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
of Limp BizkitLimp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...
, Slayer (on Gemini from Undisputed AttitudeUndisputed Attitude is the seventh studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. The album is a collection of punk covers of bands like Minor Threat, T.S.O.L., D.R.I and The Stooges...
and God Hates Us AllGod Hates Us All is the ninth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. Released on September 11, 2001, the album received positive critical reviews, although it entered the Billboard 200 at number 28. It was recorded in three months at The Warehouse Studio in Canada, and includes the...
), and Stone SourStone Sour is an American rock band from Des Moines, Iowa. Since 2006, the group has been composed of Corey Taylor , Jim Root , Josh Rand, , Shawn Economaki and Roy Mayorga . Original drummer Joel Ekman left the group in 2006...
, as well as Jim RootJames Donald "Jim" Root , also known by his number #4, is an American musician known for being the rhythm/lead guitarist of the heavy metal band, Slipknot, and the lead guitarist for rock band, Stone Sour...
's other band SlipknotSlipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
on the song "Snuff"Snuff" is a power ballad by American heavy metal band Slipknot, Released as the fifth single from their fourth album All Hope Is Gone on September 28, 2009, the song charted at number two on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, their highest charted single to date, surpassing "Dead...
". Also used by KyussKyuss is a rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. After forming in the late 1980s and releasing an EP under the name Sons of Kyuss in 1990, the band shortened its name to Kyuss. Over the next five years the band released four full-length albums, and one last split EP in 1997 with...
on song "Isolation".
- C tuning - C-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-G-C / C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G-C
Two full steps down from normal tuning. Used by bands such as Queens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
, KyussKyuss is a rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. After forming in the late 1980s and releasing an EP under the name Sons of Kyuss in 1990, the band shortened its name to Kyuss. Over the next five years the band released four full-length albums, and one last split EP in 1997 with...
, In FlamesIn Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1990. Since the band's inception in 1993, they have released ten studio albums and one live DVD...
, The Black Dahlia Murder, ArchitectsArchitects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days...
, DismemberDismember was a Swedish death metal band that formed in 1988. They are well known in the death metal underground. They split up in October 2011.-History:...
, DethklokDethklok is both a virtual band featured in the Adult Swim animated program Metalocalypse, as well as a real band created to perform the band's melodic death metal music in live shows. The band was created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha. The music heard on Metalocalypse is performed by Brendon...
, ColdCold is an American post-grunge band, formed in 1996 in Jacksonville, Florida. With two gold-albums Cold has sold over 1.2 million records in the US alone. On November 17, 2006, Ward announced on MySpace that, after a period of uncertainty since that February, the group had decided to disband. In...
, Dream TheaterDream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
, Arch Enemy (since the Angela GossowAngela Nathalie Gossow is the lead vocalist for the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy. Her previous bands include Asmodina and Mistress. She is considered to be one of the few successful female metal singers to use growling as her primary singing style...
era), and The Smashing PumpkinsThe Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1988. Formed by Billy Corgan frontman and James Iha , the band has included Jimmy Chamberlin , D'arcy Wretzky , and currently includes Jeff Schroeder Mike Byrne , and Nicole Fiorentino The Smashing...
.
- B tuning
B Tuning or B Standard Tuning or Cb Tuning is the standard tuning for a seven string guitar, where the strings are tuned B-E-A-D-G-B-E. B tuning can also be achieved on a six string guitar, when the strings are tuned B-E-A-D-F♯-B, known then as Baritone Tuning...
- B-E-A-D-G{{music|flat}}-B / B-E-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-B
Two and a half steps down from standard tuning. Used in Swedish death metal by bands such as At The GatesAt the Gates is an extreme metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden, and a major progenitor of the Gothenburg death-metal sound. Their early albums lean towards a death metal sound, but later albums sound more like melodic death metal.Initially active from 1990 to 1996, the band reformed in 2007 for a...
, EntombedEntombed is a Swedish death metal band which formed in 1987 under the name of Nihilist. Though Entombed began their career as an early pioneer of Scandinavian death metal which initially differed itself from its American counterpart with its distinct guitar tone, by the early 1990s their sound had...
, Amon AmarthAmon Amarth is a Swedish viking metal band from Tumba, Sweden founded in 1992, and takes its name from the Sindarin translation of Mount Doom, a location in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The band comprises vocalist Johan Hegg, guitarists Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg, bassist Ted Lundström...
, and Arch Enemy (during the Johan LiivaJohan Patrik Mattias Liiva is a Swedish extreme metal vocalist, most widely recognized as the founding vocalist of popular melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, as well as a former member of Carnage, Furbowl, and NonExist...
era), as well as CarcassCarcass are an extreme metal band from England, who formed in 1985 and disbanded in 1995. A reunion was enacted in 2008 without one of its original members, drummer Ken Owen, due to health reasons....
Voices And Vessels, guitarist Kenny HickeyKenneth Shaun Hickey is an American heavy metal musician. He was the guitarist for the gothic metal band Type O Negative. He is also the vocalist and guitarist for heavy metal band Seventh Void, and the touring guitarist for Danzig...
of Type O NegativeType O Negative was a gothic metal band from Brooklyn, New York City. The band also incorporated elements of doom metal and thrash metal. Their dramatic lyrical emphasis on themes of romance, depression, and death resulted in the nickname "The Drab Four"...
and Seventh VoidSeventh Void is a doom metal band composed of Type O Negative members Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly; Matt Brown of Uranium 235 and Supermassiv; and Hank Hell of Inhuman. Originally conceived in 2003 by Kenny and Johnny, the band's personnel was not solidified until 2005 and songwriting began in...
, Five Finger Death PunchFive Finger Death Punch is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2005, the group's name is derived from classic oriental martial arts cinema. The band originally consisted of vocalist Ivan Moody, guitarist Zoltan Bathory, guitarist Caleb Bingham, bassist Matt Snell,...
, SepulturaSepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
, SoulflySoulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led by former Sepultura frontman Max...
, Within TemptationWithin Temptation is a Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rock band founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. Their music is described as symphonic metal, although their earlier material, such as Enter, was gothic metal. In an interview, Den Adel said they fell into a...
, and guitarist Kirk WindsteinKirk Windstein is an English-American sludge metal singer and guitarist for the New Orleans bands Crowbar, Down, and Kingdom of Sorrow....
of Crowbar and Kingdom of SorrowKingdom of Sorrow is an American heavy metal band which features Kirk Windstein of Crowbar and Down, along with Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed.- History :...
.
- A{{music|sharp}}/B{{music - A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}} / B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}
Three full steps from standard tuning. Used by Dream TheaterDream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
, OCOAI, Adema-2003–2004: Unstable, Mark Chavez's and Mike Ransom's departure:Adema's second album, Unstable, was released by Arista in August 2003. It was produced by Howard Benson, whose credits also include producing albums with P.O.D., Hoobastank and Cold....
, Cannibal CorpseCannibal Corpse is an American death metal band from Buffalo, New York. Formed in 1988, the band has released eleven studio albums, one box set, and one live album...
, A Question Of Etiquette, and American Head ChargeAmerican Head Charge is an industrial metal band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, earning nominations at the Kerrang! Awards on two occasions.-Formation:...
.
- A tuning - A-D-G-C-E-A
Three and a half steps down from standard tuning. Used by TaprootTaproot is a four-piece rock group from Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are most known for their hit single "Poem" , as well as a number of other singles from 2000 to the present.-Pre-formation:...
, DystopiaFormed in Orange County, California in 1991, Dystopia was a sludge metal band, popular in both the heavy metal and crust punk scenes, due in large part to their bleak, misanthropic imagery...
and KornKorn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
. Also used by SlipknotSlipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
on their song Iowa.
- G{{music|sharp}}/A{{music|flat}} tuning - G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}} / A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}
Four full steps down from standard tuning. Utilized by the band StaindStaind is an American rock band that was formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki...
as well as other variations of this tuning, it is also used by Cannibal CorpseCannibal Corpse is an American death metal band from Buffalo, New York. Formed in 1988, the band has released eleven studio albums, one box set, and one live album...
in some songs. The Guitarist Mike Mushok uses a baritone Guitar that is specifically designed for lower tunings. Paradise Lost (Band)Paradise Lost are a heavy metal band that formed in 1988 in Halifax, England.-History:Their first three full-length albums are examples of the death/doom style, although the latter two incorporated some melodic and gothic elements...
use A tuning for their 12th album Faith Divides Us Death Unites Us using 7 string guitars.
- G tuning - G-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D-G / G-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-D-G
Four and a half steps down from standard tuning.
- F{{music|sharp}}/G{{music|flat}} tuning - F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}
Five full steps from standard tuning. Used by the Death Metal band Disfiguring The Goddess
- F tuning - F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C-F / F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-C-F
Five and one half steps down from standard tuning.
- Octave Tuning - E-A-D-G-B-E
Six full steps (one octave) down from standard tuning. The Low E has the same fundamental frequency as a bass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, essentially the same standard tuning as a bass guitar but with a high B and E added to mimic a regular guitar. This tuning is used on the Fender Bass VIThe Fender Bass VI, originally known as the Fender VI, is a six-string electric bass or Scale Baritone Guitar by Fender.The Fender VI was released in 1961, and followed the concept of the Danelectro 6-string bass released in 1956, having six strings tuned E-E, an octave below the Spanish guitar...
and similar instruments. Notably used by Robert SmithRobert James Smith is an English musician. He is the lead singer, guitar player and principal songwriter of the rock band The Cure, and its only constant member since its founding in 1976...
of The CureThe Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
and Jack BruceJohn Symon Asher "Jack" Bruce is a Scottish musician and songwriter, respected as a founding member of the British psychedelic rock power trio, Cream, for a solo career that spans several decades, and for his participation in several well-known musical ensembles...
of CreamCream were a 1960s British rock supergroup consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker...
. In his early days with Ronnie HawkinsRonald "Ronnie" Hawkins is a Juno Award-winning rockabilly musician whose career has spanned more than half a century. Though his career began in Arkansas, USA, where he'd been born and raised, it was in Ontario, Canada where he found success and settled for most of his life...
, future BandThe Band was an acclaimed and influential roots rock group. The original group consisted of Rick Danko , Garth Hudson , Richard Manuel , and Robbie Robertson , and Levon Helm...
bassist Rick DankoRichard Clare "Rick" Danko was a Canadian musician and singer, best known as a member of The Band.-Early years :...
was also seen with a Fender Bass VI.
Tunings as low as B{{music|flat}} tuning may be practiced on an unmodified instrument provided that higher gauge strings are used, although an extended scale "baritone" guitar is better-suited to avoid warping, as its scale length and truss rod are designed for their tension. Many 8-string guitars feature a dual-action truss rod due to the sheer amount of tension from the strings. F and octave down tuning are impractical for a standard scale length guitar, since its scale length is too short for a clear sound and unmodified tuners are not built to admit bass guitar gauge strings.
Higher tunings
From standard EADGBE, all the strings are tuned up by the same interval. String tension will be higher. Typically requires thinner gauge strings, particularly the first string which could be as thin as six thousandths of an inch (about the thickness of a single human hair). A capoA capo is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
is typically preferred over these tunings, as they do not increase neck strain, etc. The advantage of these tunings is simply that they allow an extended upper note range versus a capo used with standard tuning which limits the number of notes that can be played.
- F tuning - F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C-F / F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-C-F
Half a step up from standard tuning. (used for Love Buzz on Nirvana's Bleach album - apparently by mistake (according to Come As You Are - Michael Azerrad), and by NickelbackNickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Since 1995 the band has included guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist and back-up vocalist Ryan Peake and bassist Mike Kroeger.. The band's current drummer and percussionist is Daniel Adair who has been with the band since 2005....
on their song "When We Stand Together"When We Stand Together" is the lead single by the Canadian rock band Nickelback from their seventh studio album, Here and Now.-Release:"When We Stand Together", along with "Bottoms Up" were made free for listening on the band's official website on September 22, 2011. Both songs were released as...
")
- F{{music|sharp}}/G{{music|flat}} tuning - F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}
One full step up from standard. Primary tuning for the band The ChameleonsThe Chameleons were an English post-punk band that formed in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England in 1981. They consisted of singer and bassist Mark Burgess, guitarist Reg Smithies, guitarist Dave Fielding, and drummer John Lever...
. Johnny MarrJohnny Marr is an English musician and songwriter. Marr rose to fame in the 1980s as the guitarist in The Smiths, with whom he formed a prolific songwriting partnership with Morrissey. Marr has been a member of Electronic, The The, and Modest Mouse...
also used this tuning extensively with The SmithsThe Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
; bassist Andy RourkeAndy Rourke is a bass guitarist best known for being a former member of The Smiths.-Career:...
remained in standard, however, even when Marr was playing in F#.
- G tuning also known as Terz tuning
Terz guitar refers to either a small sized classical guitar or to the practice of tuning a standard guitar a minor third higher than standard guitar tuning . The scale length is generally 530 mm , though sometimes as long as 560 mm...
(sometimes spelled "Tierce", "Third", or "Tertz", all of which are acceptable) - G-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D-G / G-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-D-G
One and one half steps up from standard.
- G{{music|sharp}}/A{{music|flat}} tuning - G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}} / A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}
Two full steps up from standard.
- A tuning - A-D-G-C-E-A
Two and one half steps up from standard. This is the standard tuning for the Lapstick travel guitar.
- A{{music|sharp}}/B{{music|flat}} - A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-E{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}} / B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}
Three full steps up from standard.
Dropped tunings
These tunings have the 6th string tuned low relative to the other strings, often (but not always) by one full step (a "drop 1" tuning). Some of these may require a baritone guitarThe baritone guitar is a variation on the standard guitar, with a longer scale length that allows it to be tuned to a lower range. It first appeared in the classical music realm...
due to the string tension required for extremely low notes. Others can be achieved using a capoA capo is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
and/or a partial capoA capo, or, rarely, capo tasto is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
.
What matters for the purposes of fingering is the relative relationship among the strings. For example, a dropped B tuning has all strings tuned to different notes than a standard tuning, but the strings have the same relationship to each other as a drop D tuningDrop D tuning, also known as DADGBE, is an alternate, or scordatura, form of guitar tuning — specifically, a dropped tuning — in which the lowest string is tuned down from the usual E of standard tuning by one whole step to D.- Uses of drop D tuning :In drop D the three bass strings...
(where only the 6th string differs from standard tuning), and as a result the fingerings are nearly the same as for standard tuning.
Many of the terms below are ambiguous in whether only the 6th string is tuned down (a "drop N" tuning in the standard key of E), or all strings are tuned down, with the 6th tuned down more than the others (usually a "drop 1" tuning in some other key). For example, a "drop C tuningDrop C tuning can be used to refer to two different alternative guitar tunings:* CGCFAD - The most commonly intended meaning of Drop C, though the term is incorrect...
" usually refers to a "drop 1" tuning in the key of D, i.e. the 6th string is tuned down two whole steps and all others down one whole step. This is equivalent to a standard drop D tuningDrop D tuning, also known as DADGBE, is an alternate, or scordatura, form of guitar tuning — specifically, a dropped tuning — in which the lowest string is tuned down from the usual E of standard tuning by one whole step to D.- Uses of drop D tuning :In drop D the three bass strings...
with all strings turned down a whole step. However, another "drop C tuning" is a "drop 2" tuning in the key of E, i.e. the 6th string is tuned down two whole steps and the others left alone. The former uses standard drop DDrop D tuning, also known as DADGBE, is an alternate, or scordatura, form of guitar tuning — specifically, a dropped tuning — in which the lowest string is tuned down from the usual E of standard tuning by one whole step to D.- Uses of drop D tuning :In drop D the three bass strings...
fingerings, like all "drop 1" tunings, while the latter requires its own fingerings because of the different relative relationship of the 6th string to the others.
Other variant drop tunings tune two different strings differently. Tuning both the 1st and 6th strings down the same amount is common enough to warrant its own name (see "double-dropped tunings" below). However, there are other possibilities. For example, the Foo FightersFoo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
song "Stacked Actors"Stacked Actors" is a Foo Fighters song which was released as a single from their third album There Is Nothing Left to Lose in 2000. It was only released as a limited edition commercial single in Australia exclusively, however radio promotional singles were released in other countries for radio...
" uses a tuning AADGBE with the 6th string retuned to form an octaveIn music, an octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another with half or double its frequency. The octave relationship is a natural phenomenon that has been referred to as the "basic miracle of music", the use of which is "common in most musical systems"...
on A. This involves dropping the 6th string down a perfect fifthIn classical music from Western culture, a fifth is a musical interval encompassing five staff positions , and the perfect fifth is a fifth spanning seven semitones, or in meantone, four diatonic semitones and three chromatic semitones...
. This is sometimes called a "dropped A" tuning because the lowest string is tuned down to A; but it is different from either the "dropped A" variant of drop D (drop 1 in the key of B) or the less common "dropped A" used by MastodonMastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1999. The band is composed of bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor...
and PeripheryPeriphery is an American metal band from Bethesda, Maryland , formed in 2005.- Formation and lineup changes :Periphery was formed by guitarist Misha Mansoor in 2005...
(drop a 4th in the key of D).
- Drop D
Drop D tuning, also known as DADGBE, is an alternate, or scordatura, form of guitar tuning — specifically, a dropped tuning — in which the lowest string is tuned down from the usual E of standard tuning by one whole step to D.- Uses of drop D tuning :In drop D the three bass strings...
- D-A-D-G-B-E
Standard tuning but with the 6th string dropped one full step. Utilized by bands and/or artists: RadioheadRadiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
, Avenged SevenfoldAvenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
, Arrowmont, Rage Against the MachineRage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
, LordiLordi is a Finnish hard rock/heavy metal band, formed in 1996 by the band's lead singer, songwriter and costume-designer, Mr. Lordi. The band is known for wearing monster masks and using pyrotechnics during concerts...
, Lamb of GodLamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the group consists of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Chris Adler...
, Evanescence, Silverchair, MuseMuse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of school friends Matthew Bellamy , Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard...
, SkilletSkillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
, HelmetHelmet is an alternative metal band from New York City formed in 1989. Founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton, Helmet has had numerous lineup changes, and Hamilton has been the only constant member....
, SoundgardenSoundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...
, RammsteinRammstein is a German Neue Deutsche Härte band from Berlin, formed in 1994. The band consists of members Till Lindemann , Richard Z. Kruspe , Paul H. Landers , Oliver "Ollie" Riedel , Christoph "Doom" Schneider and Christian "Flake" Lorenz...
, FugaziFugazi is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Washington, D.C. in 1987. The band's continual members are guitarists and vocalists Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty....
in some songs, ToolTool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
in all their albums, Stone Temple PilotsStone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
in some songs, AudioslaveAudioslave was an American rock supergroup that formed in Los Angeles, California in 2001. It consisted of former Soundgarden lead singer/rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell and the former instrumentalists of Rage Against the Machine: Tom Morello , Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk...
, FilterFilter is a rock group formed in 1993 in Cleveland by singer Richard Patrick and guitarist/programmer Brian Liesegang. Filter has released five studio albums, the most recent being The Trouble with Angels, which was released on August 17, 2010....
, Foo FightersFoo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
, IncubusIncubus is an American rock band from Calabasas, California. The band was formed in 1991 by vocalist Brandon Boyd, lead guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer Jose Pasillas while enrolled in high school and later expanded to include bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich, and Gavin "DJ Lyfe" Koppell;...
in some songs, Guns N Roses on some songs from Chinese DemocracyChinese Democracy is the sixth studio album by American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, released in November 2008 on Geffen Records. It is the band's first studio album since "The Spaghetti Incident?" , released exactly 15 years before Chinese Democracy, and their first album of original studio...
, NirvanaNirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
in some songs, Zakk WyldeZachary Phillip Wylde , best known by the stage name Zakk Wylde, is an American musician, songwriter, and occasional actor who is best known as the former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of the heavy metal band Black Label Society. He was the lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory,...
in some of his projects, QuicksandQuicksand was an American post-hardcore band from New York City founded in 1990 by singer/songwriter Walter Schreifels. Their debut self-titled EP was followed by two major label albums, Slip and Manic Compression...
, MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
on their song "All Nightmare Long", and The BeatlesThe Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
on "Dear Prudence"Dear Prudence" is a song written by John Lennon, and credited to Lennon–McCartney. It was released by The Beatles as the second track on their 1968 double-disc album entitled The Beatles, commonly known as The White Album.-Composition:...
".
- Drop C{{music|sharp}}/Drop D{{music|flat}} - C{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}} / D{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
Same as Drop D, but every string is dropped one half step. Utilized by bands like Acid BathAcid Bath was a seminal American sludge metal band from Houma, Louisiana that was active from 1991 to 1997. Acid Bath combined doom metal roots with influences from black metal, death metal, gothic rock, blues, folk, and country...
, OceanaOceana is an American indie rock band originating from St. Petersburg, Florida, that is currently unsigned . They released their debut album titled The Tide on March 4, 2008 and released their second album Birth.Eater on May 19, 2009...
, Alter BridgeAlter Bridge is an American rock band that was formed in 2004 in Orlando, Florida by lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips, who are all also members of Creed. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, formerly of The Mayfield Four and the frontman...
, ChevelleChevelle is an American alternative metal trio that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers and a local friend: Pete Loeffler , Sam Loeffler , and Matt Scott . Matt was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler...
(on Sci-Fi CrimesSci-Fi Crimes is the fifth studio album from Grayslake-based rock band Chevelle, followed up to its predecessor, Vena Sera in 2007. It was released on August 31, 2009 through Epic Records.-Background:...
), Of Mice & MenOf Mice & Men is an American metalcore band from Costa Mesa, California. The group was founded by Austin Carlile and Jaxin Hall during mid-2009 after Carlile's departure from Attack Attack!...
, DeftonesDeftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
(on their Around the Fur-Band members:*Stephen Carpenter – guitar*Chi Cheng – bass guitar, backing vocals*Abe Cunningham – drums*Chino Moreno – vocals-Additional personnel:...
album), Evanescence, Disturbed, Puddle of MuddPuddle Of Mudd is an American rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, USA. To date the band has sold over 7 million albums, and have had a string of #1 mainstream rock singles in the United States. Their major-label debut Come Clean has sold over 5 million copies...
, Linkin ParkLinkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
, SkilletSkillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
, 10 Years10 Years is an American alternative metal band, formed in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999.-Early Years, Into the Half Moon :10 Years was initially formed in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999 with singer Mike Underdown, drummer Brian Vodinh, bassist Lewis Cosby, and guitarists Ryan "Tater" Johnson and Matt...
, Black Stone CherryBlack Stone Cherry is an American rock band formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky. They are signed to Roadrunner Records. The band consists of Chris Robertson , Ben Wells , Jon Lawhon , and John Fred Young...
, REDRed is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard. They are known for their Christian rock music which incorporates other sounds such as...
on End of Silence, NirvanaNirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
on their In Utero album and System of a DownSystem of a Down, also known by the acronym SOAD and often shortened to System, is a rock band from Southern California. The band was formed in 1994. It consists of Serj Tankian , Daron Malakian , Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan...
on their Mezmerize/Hypnotize double album. Also used somewhat on Lamb of God's album Wrath. Avenged SevenfoldAvenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California. Formed in 1999, the group consists of vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ....
used this tuning on songs "Scream"Scream" is the fifth and final single from Avenged Sevenfold's self-titled album. It has reached number nine on the U.S. Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number 26 on the U.S. Alternative Songs chart. It is the second of five singles by Avenged Sevenfold written by M. Shadows...
" and "Almost Easy"Almost Easy" is a song by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. It is the second song as well as second single from their self-titled album.-Background:...
". MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
use this tuning on their song "Minus Human" off S&M-Video release:Metallica also filmed and released the concert in DVD and VHS with direction by Wayne Isham. The VHS set has only the concert video, while the double DVD set has 5.1 sound , 41 minute documentary about the concert, and two "No Leaf Clover" music videos: "Slice & Dice" version and the...
. TriviumTrivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. Signed to Roadrunner Records, the band has released five studio albums, eleven singles, and twelve music videos...
used this tuning on their album In WavesIn Waves is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Trivium, released worldwide on various dates August 2, 2011 and August 9, 2011 through Roadrunner Records.-Background:...
. Van Halen's 1981 song "Unchained" used this tuning as well.
- Drop B - B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}} / B-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}
One and one half steps down from Drop D. This tuning is most often used by modern heavymetal musicians. Utilized by bands like Slayer (on Seven Faces and Payback from God Hates Us AllGod Hates Us All is the ninth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. Released on September 11, 2001, the album received positive critical reviews, although it entered the Billboard 200 at number 28. It was recorded in three months at The Warehouse Studio in Canada, and includes the...
, as well as most of Christ IllusionChrist Illusion is the tenth studio album by the American thrash metal band Slayer. Released on August 8, 2006, the album received generally favorable critical reviews, and it entered the Billboard 200 at number 5—the band's highest U.S. chart position to date...
), IntronautIntronaut is a progressive metal band from Los Angeles, California.Their style, while rooted in metal, is extremely forward-thinking and psychedelic, complete with complex polyrhythms, intense, haunting melodies, and vocal harmonies, combined with progressive and jazzy instrumental breaks.Their...
, Machine HeadMachine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
, Demon HunterDemon Hunter is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. All of Demon Hunter's members are Christians and express their love for Jesus in many of their songs. Although the brothers created the band, only one remains, Don Clark...
, SkilletSkillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
, SlipknotSlipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
, ChevelleChevelle is an American alternative metal trio that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers and a local friend: Pete Loeffler , Sam Loeffler , and Matt Scott . Matt was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler...
, REDRed is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...
(on "Faceless"), Parkway Drive, Bring Me The HorizonBring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls...
(up until Count Your BlessingsCount Your Blessings is the debut album by British band Bring Me the Horizon. The album was released on October 30, 2006 in record stores around the United Kingdom. Then in the United States nearly a year later on August 14, 2007...
), SevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
, The Devil Wears PradaThe Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio. Formed in 2005, they are currently signed to Warner Music Group...
, Drowning PoolDrowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal band from Dallas, Texas.-Early days :Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy Osbourne during an Ozzfest tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks...
, Comfort in the End, and Attack Attack!Attack Attack! is an American metalcore band from Westerville, Ohio, formed in 2005. Attack Attack!'s first release, an independent EP titled If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, was released in 2008, which lead to the signing of the band to Rise Records the same year...
.
- Drop A{{music|sharp}}/Drop B{{music - A{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G-C / B{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-G-C
Two full steps down from Drop D. Utilized by bands such as Static-XStatic-X is an American industrial metal band from Los Angeles, California. They were formed in 1994. They are signed to Warner Bros. Records and have released six albums, their most recent being Cult of Static, which was released on March 17, 2009....
, To Crown a King, Bring Me the HorizonBring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls...
(since Suicide SeasonSuicide Season is the second studio album by English metalcore band Bring Me the Horizon, released on 29 September 2008 through Visible Noise in the United Kingdom and Europe. Visible Noise has the band signed for the World, and are doing licensing deals for Australia, Japan and the USA...
), In FlamesIn Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1990. Since the band's inception in 1993, they have released ten studio albums and one live DVD...
, SybreedSybreed is an industrial metal/groove metal band from Geneva, Switzerland.- History :Sybreed was formed in 2003 by vocalist Benjamin and guitarist Drop, after they previously worked together in a band, called Rain. In 2004, Sybreed released their debut album Slave Design...
, HellyeahHellyeah is an American heavy metal supergroup, consisting of Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett, Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, Damageplan bassist Bob Zilla, and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul. The idea to form a supergroup originated in 2001 on the...
, Breaking BenjaminBreaking Benjamin is an American rock band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, currently consisting of Benjamin Burnley and Chad Szeliga. The band has released four studio albums to date and a greatest hits album that was released on August 16, 2011. The group initially went on indefinite hiatus due...
(since Phobia), Parkway Drive, SpineshankSpineshank is an American Grammy-nominated alternative metal band. The band has sold over 540,000 records, and has released 3 studio albums.-Formation, Roadrunner Records years :...
, REDRed is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard. They are known for their Christian rock music which incorporates other sounds such as...
, and occasionally ChevelleChevelle is an American alternative metal trio that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers and a local friend: Pete Loeffler , Sam Loeffler , and Matt Scott . Matt was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler...
and SevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
.
- Drop A
Dropped A tuning is an alternate tuning for a 7 string guitar where an A is placed over the original standard E tuning or on a 6 string guitar where the strings are tuned to AEADF♯B. This is a "drop 1" tuning in the key of B...
- A-E-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-B / A-E-A-D-G{{music|flat}}-B
Two and one half steps down from Drop D. This tuning is most often used by death metalDeath metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
or deathcoreDeathcore is an extreme metal music genre that combines elements of death metal with elements of metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It is defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns...
musicians, such as Suicide SilenceSuicide Silence is an American extreme metal band from Riverside, California. The group consists of vocalist Mitch Lucker, guitarists Chris Garza and Mark Heylmun, drummer Alex Lopez and bassist Dan Kenny. Formed in 2002, the band has released three full-length studio albums, one EP and seven music...
or WhitechapelWhitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The group comprises vocalist Phil Bozeman, guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade, Zach Householder; bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Ben Harclerode. Their band name is derived from a district in the built-up inner city of London, known...
(both use seven-string guitarA seven-string guitar is a guitar with seven strings instead of the usual six. Some types of seven-string guitars are specific to certain cultures . The standard 7-string guitar tuning is BEADGbe...
s and tune down the seventh string two half steps). Utilized by bands like NileNile is an American death metal band from Greenville, South Carolina, formed in 1993. Their music and lyrics are inspired by Ancient Egyptian/Near Eastern mysticism, history, religion, and art, as well as stories by H. P. Lovecraft.- History :...
, MotograterMotograter was an American Nu-Metal band formed in 1995. They are best known for their homemade instrument the "motograter" - designed with industrial cable and guitar pieces that creates a very deep bass sound...
, ThriceThrice is an American rock band from Irvine, California, formed in 1998. The group was founded by guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue and guitarist Teppei Teranishi while they were in high school....
, FilterFilter is a rock group formed in 1993 in Cleveland by singer Richard Patrick and guitarist/programmer Brian Liesegang. Filter has released five studio albums, the most recent being The Trouble with Angels, which was released on August 17, 2010....
(on the songs "Columind" and "The Missing" from The AmalgamutThe Amalgamut is the third album of industrial rock band Filter released in 2002 by Reprise Records. It includes the hit single "Where Do We Go from Here"...
and "Drug Boy" and "The Trouble with Angels" from the album of the same name), Dead by AprilDead by April is a Swedish metal band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the...
, REDRed is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard. They are known for their Christian rock music which incorporates other sounds such as...
, Ill NiñoIll Niño is an American six-piece metal band from New Jersey founded in 1998. The band has sold over 3.3 million units worldwide; they have 5 studio albums and 10 music videos.-History:...
(on Dead New World- Personnel :Cristian Machado: VocalsDiego Verduzco: Rhythm GuitarAhrue Luster: Lead guitarLazaro Pina: BassDave Chavarri: DrumsDaniel Couto: Percussion...
) and occasionally SlipknotSlipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
, Amon AmarthAmon Amarth is a Swedish viking metal band from Tumba, Sweden founded in 1992, and takes its name from the Sindarin translation of Mount Doom, a location in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The band comprises vocalist Johan Hegg, guitarists Olavi Mikkonen and Johan Söderberg, bassist Ted Lundström...
, and Parkway Drive.
- Drop A or D standard variation - A-G-C-F-A-D: Used by Mastodon on most of their first album (Remission) and on some songs on other albums. Also utilized by Periphery
Periphery is an American metal band from Bethesda, Maryland , formed in 2005.- Formation and lineup changes :Periphery was formed by guitarist Misha Mansoor in 2005...
on the song "Zyglrox". Alter BridgeAlter Bridge is an American rock band that was formed in 2004 in Orlando, Florida by lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips, who are all also members of Creed. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, formerly of The Mayfield Four and the frontman...
uses this tuning, but tuned a half-step up (on songs such as "Broken Wings"Broken Wings" is a song recorded and performed by the band Alter Bridge. The song was the third and final single from the band's debut studio album, One Day Remains. It was not as successful as the previous two singles . Actor Paul Guilfoyle, known for his role in the hit show CSI: Crime Scene...
", "Come to Life", "I Know it Hurts", "Still Remains", "Breath Again", and "All Hope is Gone"). CreedCreed is an American rock band formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida. Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, one of which has been certified diamond, and has sold over 28 million records in the United States, with an...
, ArchitectsArchitects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days...
, and SevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
all use this tuning tuned a half-step down on their songs "Bread of Shame", "Early Grave", and "Home", respectively.
- Drop G{{music|sharp}}/Drop A{{music|flat}} - G{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}} / A{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}
Three full steps down from Drop D. Utilized by Shinto Katana, Dead by AprilDead by April is a Swedish metal band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the...
(on some songs), MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
in the song Invisible Kid, Brian "Head" Welch during his solo career and by The Acacia StrainThe Acacia Strain is an American deathcore band from Chicopee, Massachusetts. Originally founded in 2001, the band itself has undergone numerous changes in the member line-up...
in a number of songs. StaindStaind is an American rock band that was formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki...
also uses this tuning, as well as several modified variations of this, such as one in which the 5th string is also dropped, or the 2nd string tuned up 1/2 step to emulate a 7-string guitar, amongst several others.
- Drop G - G-D-G-C-E-A
Three and one half steps down from Drop D. Used by Bring Me The HorizonBring Me the Horizon are a British metalcore band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, who formed in 2004. Bring Me the Horizon constits of Oliver Sykes as the lead vocalist, lead guitarist Lee Malia, rhythm guitarist Jona Weinhofen, bassist Matt Kean and drummer Matt Nicholls...
(on some songs), Attack Attack!Attack Attack! is an American metalcore band from Westerville, Ohio, formed in 2005. Attack Attack!'s first release, an independent EP titled If Guns Are Outlawed, Can We Use Swords?, was released in 2008, which lead to the signing of the band to Rise Records the same year...
in the song AC-130, BaronessBaroness is a band from Savannah, Georgia whose members grew up together in Lexington, Virginia.-Formative years:Baroness formed in mid-2003, founded by former members of the punk/metal band Johnny Welfare and the Paychecks...
, The Acacia StrainThe Acacia Strain is an American deathcore band from Chicopee, Massachusetts. Originally founded in 2001, the band itself has undergone numerous changes in the member line-up...
(on some songs), Dead by AprilDead by April is a Swedish metal band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the...
(on some songs), and In FlamesIn Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1990. Since the band's inception in 1993, they have released ten studio albums and one live DVD...
(in some albums, like Reroute to Remain-Personnel:In Flames*Anders Fridén – vocals & mixing*Jesper Strömblad – guitar*Björn Gelotte – guitar*Peter Iwers – bass guitar*Daniel Svensson – drumsOther Personnel*Maria Gauffin - co-vocals on "Metaphor"*Örjan Örnkloo – keyboards, programming...
, specially in the song "Transparent").
- Drop F{{music|sharp}}/Drop G{{music|flat}} - F{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}} / G{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}
Four full steps down from Drop D, or two full steps up from Drop D1. Used by Disfiguring the Goddess. In the recording of Limp BizkitLimp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...
's song "Nookie", Wes BorlandWesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
used a custom 4 string baritone guitar tuned F#-F#-B-E.
- Drop F - F-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D-G / F-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-D-G
Four and one half steps down from Drop D, or one and a half steps up from Drop D1.
- Drop E - E-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / E-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}/
Five full steps down from Drop D, or one full step up from Drop D1.
- Drop D{{music|sharp}}/Drop E{{music|flat}} - D{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C-F / E{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-C-F
Five and one half steps down from Drop D, or one half step up from Drop D1.
- Drop D1 Tuning - D-A-D-G-B-E
Six full steps (one octave) down from Drop D.
- Drop C{{music|sharp}}/Drop D{{music|flat}} in standard variation Tuning - C{{music|sharp}}-A-D-G-B-E
Standard tuning but with the 6th string lowered one and a half steps. *Drop B in standard variation Tuning - B-A-D-G-B-E
Used in the song "Rusty Cage"Rusty Cage" is a song by the American rock band Soundgarden. Written by frontman Chris Cornell, "Rusty Cage" was released in 1992 as the third single from the band's third studio album, Badmotorfinger . The song became an instant hit and was released as a single in several different formats...
" by SoundgardenSoundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...
, "Cowboy Hat" by NickelbackNickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Since 1995 the band has included guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist and back-up vocalist Ryan Peake and bassist Mike Kroeger.. The band's current drummer and percussionist is Daniel Adair who has been with the band since 2005....
, "Gasoline" and "Bring Em Back Alive" by AudioslaveAudioslave was an American rock supergroup that formed in Los Angeles, California in 2001. It consisted of former Soundgarden lead singer/rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell and the former instrumentalists of Rage Against the Machine: Tom Morello , Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk...
and "Prison SexPrison sex may refer to:* Prison Sex , song by American progressive rock/metal band Tool* Prison sexuality...
" by ToolTool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
. Today is the DayToday Is the Day is an experimental noise rock/metal/grindcore band from Nashville, Tennessee. They have a diverse sound that includes influences from alternative rock, grindcore, & progressive rock among other genres...
have used it on every album since Temple of the Morning Star-Personnel:Today Is the Day*Steve Austin – vocals, guitar, sampler, production*Mike Hyde – drums, percussion*Christopher Reeser – bass guitar, samplerAdditional musicians and production*Matthew F. Jacobson – executive production...
, and ShiningShining is a Norwegian band that started out as an acoustic jazz quartet in 1999. Their sound has since become more experimental and extreme, incorporating elements from metal and progressive rock as well as 19th and 20th century classical music....
use it on most of their album BlackjazzBlackjazz is the fifth studio album by the Norwegian band Shining, released through Indie Recordings on 18 January 2010.- Singles :Shining performed the world premiere of the song Fisheye live on Store Studio, a culture talk show on NRK, 10 October 2009...
.
- "Hardcore" Tuning
Hardcore tuning is an alternate tuning for an electric guitar. It is uncommon, but it is still used by hardcore, grindcore, and some metalcore bands. The lowest four strings are tuned the same way as they would be in Drop C tuning. The highest two strings, though, are tuned to A and B♭' or vice...
. A tuning primarily used by hardcore and grindcore musicians to create a harsh dissonance by the use of the open semitone interval.
Double-dropped tunings
Similar to the dropped tunings, except that both the 1st and 6th strings are dropped one full step.
- Double Drop D - D-A-D-G-B-D
Standard tuning but with the 1st and 6th strings dropped one full step. Favored by Neil Young. Has also been used by Lamb of God on some of their earlier songs.
- Double Drop C{{music|sharp}}/Drop D{{music|flat}} - C{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}} / D{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}/
Same as [Double] Drop D, but every string is dropped one half step. Used by the acoustic rock band Days of the New.
- Double Drop C - C-G-C-F-A-C
One full step down from Drop D. Used by SevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
on the song "Seasons".
- Double Drop B - B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-G{{music|sharp}}-B / B-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A{{music|flat}}-B/
One and one half steps down from Drop D.
- Double Drop A{{music|sharp}}/Drop B{{music|flat}} - A{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G-A{{music|sharp}} / B{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-G-B{{music|flat}}
Two full steps down from Drop D.
- Double Drop A - A-E-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-A / A-E-A-D-G{{music|flat}}-A
Two and one half steps down from Drop D.
- Double Drop G{{music|sharp}}/Drop A{{music|flat}} - G{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F-G{{music|sharp}} / A{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-F-A{{music|flat}}
Three full steps down from Drop D.
- Double Drop G - G-D-G-C-E-G
Three and one half steps down from Drop D.
- Double Drop F{{music|sharp}}/Drop G{{music|flat}} - F{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / G{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}
Four full steps down from Drop D, or two full steps up from Drop D1.
- Double Drop F - F-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D-F / F-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-D-F
Four and one half steps down from Drop D, or one and a half steps up from Drop D1.
- Double Drop E - E-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-E / E-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-E
Five full steps down from Drop D, or one full step up from Drop D1.
- Double Drop D{{music|sharp}}/Double Drop E{{music|flat}} - D{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C-D{{music|sharp}} / E{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-C-E{{music|flat}}
Five and one half steps down from Drop D, or one half step up from Drop D1.
- Double Drop D1 Tuning - D-A-D-G-B-D
Six full steps (one octave) down from Double Drop D.
Classical guitar tunings
The classical guitarThe classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
developed over a period of 500 years and in addition to the predominant standard tuning, a number of guitar tunings are commonly used in this genre, some based upon historical practice.
- Renaissance lute
Lute can refer generally to any plucked string instrument with a neck and a deep round back, or more specifically to an instrument from the family of European lutes....
tuning: E-A-d-f{{music|sharp}}-b-e'
This tuning may also be used with a capoA capo is a device used on the neck of a stringed instrument to shorten the playable length of the strings, hence raising the pitch. It is frequently used on guitars, mandolins, and banjos. G.B...
at the third fret to match the common lute pitch: G-c-f-a-d'-g'. This tuning also matches standard vihuelaVihuela is a name given to two different guitar-like string instruments: one from 15th and 16th century Spain, usually with 12 paired strings, and the other, the Mexican vihuela, from 19th century Mexico with five strings and typically played in Mariachi bands.-History:The vihuela, as it was known...
tuning and is often employed in classical guitar transcriptions of music written for those instruments.
- "Pseudo Russian" or "g" tuning: D-G-d-g-b-e'
Open tunings
An open tuning in guitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
is one where the strings are tuned so that a chordA chord in music is any harmonic set of two–three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously. These need not actually be played together: arpeggios and broken chords may for many practical and theoretical purposes be understood as chords...
is achieved without fretting, or pressing any of the strings. With such a tuning, other chords may be played by simply barringIn music, a barre chord is a type of guitar chord, where one or more fingers are used to press down multiple strings across the guitar fingerboard , enabling the guitarist to play a chord not restricted by the tones of the guitar's open strings...
a fret or through the use of a slide. Open tunings are common in blues music and some rockRock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
and folk musicFolk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
. They are particularly used in steel guitarSteel guitar is a type of guitar or the method of playing the instrument. Developed in Hawaii in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a steel guitar is usually positioned horizontally; strings are plucked with one hand, while the other hand changes the pitch of one or more strings with the use...
and bottleneck guitar playing.
When performing and recording, musicians will often employ simultaneous multiple tunings, i.e. separate instruments in different tunings sounding at once. For example, on several of his early recordings 1980s session guitarist David Persons used multiple tunings together, including standard six string and open tuning (e.g. standard tuning playing in E major and Open E tuning). Due to the resulting natural intervals (i.e. non-equal temperamentAn equal temperament is a musical temperament, or a system of tuning, in which every pair of adjacent notes has an identical frequency ratio. As pitch is perceived roughly as the logarithm of frequency, this means that the perceived "distance" from every note to its nearest neighbor is the same for...
) this practice produces complementary counterpoint with unusual harmonies and dissonance.
Major open tunings
Major open tunings (giving a major chordIn music theory, a major chord is a chord having a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. When a chord has these three notes alone, it is called a major triad...
with the open strings) include (all from low to high):
- Open A: E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-E-A-E
- Alternatively: E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}
- "Slide"
Slide guitar or bottleneck guitar is a particular method or technique for playing the guitar. The term slide refers to the motion of the slide against the strings, while bottleneck refers to the original material of choice for such slides: the necks of glass bottles...
Open A: E-A-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-E (identical to Open G tuning but with every string raised one step or two frets) (used by OxbowOxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the song "Woe" from the album King of the Jews and The White StripesThe White Stripes was an American rock band, formed in 1997 in Detroit, Michigan. The group consisted of the songwriter Jack White and drummer Meg White . Jack and Meg White were previously married to each other, but are now divorced...
on Seven Nation Army"Seven Nation Army" is the first track on the album Elephant by American alternative rock band The White Stripes. It was released as a single in 2003. "Seven Nation Army" reached #1 on the Modern Rock Tracks for three weeks and won 2004's Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. The song is known for its...
).
- Open B
Open B Tuning is an open tuning for guitar. The open string notes in this tuning are BFBFBD. It uses the three notes that form the triad of a B major chord: B, the root note; F, the perfect fifth; and D the major third....
: B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}
- Alternatively: F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}
- Open C
Open C Tuning is an open tuning for guitar. The open string notes in this tuning are CGCGCE. It uses the three notes that form the triad of a C major chord: C, the root note; G, the perfect fifth; and E the major third....
: C-G-C-G-C-E (Widely used by Devin TownsendDevin Garret Townsend is a Canadian musician and record producer. He was the founder, songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist in extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad from 1994 to 2007 and has had an extensive career as a solo artist....
)
- Alternative: C-G-C-E-G-C (used by Oxbow
Oxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the 2007 song "It's the Giving, Not the Taking" and NeedtobreatheNeedtobreathe is an American rock band from Seneca, South Carolina. The band has charted on mainstream rock/pop charts, but have had their greatest number of singles on Christian music charts...
on "Lay 'Em Down"Lay 'Em Down" is the first single released off the album The Outsiders by Christian rock band Needtobreathe. It was released in the summer of 2009.-Charts:The song reached #8 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart, and #49 on the Heatseekers Songs....
")
- Open C tuning for 7 string: G-C-G-C-G-C-E (Also used by Devin Townsend while in Strapping young lad; also used by Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...
)
- Open D
Open D tuning is an open tuning for the acoustic or electric guitar. The open string notes in this tuning are: D A D F♯ A D. It uses the three notes that form the triad of a D major chord: D, the root note; A, the perfect fifth; and F♯, the major third...
: D-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-A-D
- Alternatively: D-A-D'-A'-D-D(used by stone roses in love spreads).
- Open E
Open E tuning is a tuning for guitar.low-high; E-B-E-G-B-ECompared to standard tuning, two strings are two semitones higher and one string is one semitone higher. The intervals are identical to those found in open D tuning....
: E-B-E-G{{music|sharp}}-B-E (use light gauge strings because three strings must be raised)(used by Keith Richards on Salt of the Earth, Prodigal Son, and by Bob Dylan on his 1975 album Blood on the Tracks)
- Open F: F-A-C-F-C-F
- Alternatively: C-F-C-F-A-F (used by: Elizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten was an American blues and folk musician, singer, and songwriter.A self-taught left-handed guitarist, Cotten developed her own original style. Her approach involved using a right-handed guitar , not re-strung for left-handed playing, essentially, holding a right-handed...
on her song "When I Get Home"; OxbowOxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the songs "...The Stick" and "Skin")
- F-Sharp Tuning: F{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}
- Open G
Open G tuning is a tuning for guitar, such that the open strings play a G major chord with no fingering or capo.The standard Open G tuning is D-G-D-G-B-D. Note that this leaves the D as the bottom of the chord, creating an inversion. To rectify this problem, some guitar players will remove the low...
: D-G-D-G-B-D (also known as Spanish Tuning or Chicago Tuning)
Open G was used in rock by Keith RichardsKeith Richards is an English musician, songwriter, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Rolling Stone magazine said Richards had created "rock's greatest single body of riffs", and placed him as the "10th greatest guitarist of all time." Fourteen songs written by Richards and songwriting...
of The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
as well as in Mississippi blues by Son HouseEddie James "Son" House, Jr. was an American blues singer and guitarist. House pioneered an innovative style featuring strong, repetitive rhythms, often played with the aid of slide guitar, and his singing often incorporated elements of southern gospel and spiritual music...
, Charley Patton, and Robert Johnson, and in "Fearless" by Pink FloydPink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
.
-
- Alternatively: G-B-D-G-B-D (slack-key guitar
Slack-key guitar is a fingerstyle genre of guitar music that originated in Hawaii. Its name refers to its characteristic open tunings: the English term is a translation of the Hawaiian kī hōalu, which means "loosen the [tuning] key"...
taro patch)
- dobro
Dobro is a registered trademark, now owned by Gibson Guitar Corporation and used for a particular design of resonator guitar.The name has a long and involved history, interwoven with that of the resonator guitar...
Open G: G-B-D-G-B-D (occasionally adopted for ordinary guitar, but requires lighter fifth and sixth strings).
- Russian Open G: D-G-B-D-G-B-D (the standard tuning for the Russian seven string guitar
The Russian guitar is a seven-string acoustic guitar that arrived in Russia toward the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, most probably as an evolution of the cittern, kobza, and torban...
).
Minor Open Tunings/Cross-note tunings
The below open tunings use a minor third, and give a minor chordIn music theory, a minor chord is a chord having a root, a minor third, and a perfect fifth.When a chord has these three notes alone, it is called a minor triad....
with open strings. To avoid the relatively cumbersome designation "open D minor", "open C minor", such tunings are sometimes called "cross-note tunings". The term also expresses the fact that, compared to Major chord open tunings, by fretting the lowered string at the first fret, it is possible to produce a major chord very easily.
Cross-note or open E-minor was used by Bukka WhiteBooker T. Washington White , better known as Bukka White, was an American Delta blues guitarist and singer. "Bukka" was not a nickname, but a phonetic misspelling of White's given name Booker, by his second record label .-Biography:Born between Aberdeen and Houston, Mississippi, White was the...
and Skip JamesNehemiah Curtis "Skip" James was an American Delta blues singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter, born in Bentonia, Mississippi, died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
.
Cross-note tunings include (low to high):
- Cross-note A: E-A-E-A-C-E
- Alternative: E-A-C-E-A-E (rare)
- Cross-note C: C-G-C-G-C-E{{music|b}}
- Alternative: C-G-C-E{{music|b}}-G-C (used by Oxbow
Oxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the 1996 songs "Stallkicker," "Sorry," and the 2007 songs "A Winner Every Time" and "Time Gentlemen, Time," etc.)
- Cross-note D: D-A-D-F-A-D (used by Oxbow
Oxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the 1991 songs, "Angel," "Cat and Mouse," etc.)
- Cross-note E: E-B-E-G-B-E
- Cross-note F: F-A{{music|flat}}-C-F-C-F (extremely rare)
- Alternative: F-C-F-A{{music|flat}}-C-F (used by Albert Collins
Albert Collins was an American electric blues guitarist and singer whose recording career began in the 1960s in Houston and whose fame eventually took him to stages across the US, Europe, Japan and Australia...
;{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} requires light gauges)
- Cross-note G: D-G-D-G-B{{music|flat}}-D
- Alternative Cross A: E-A-E-A-E-A. «Sitar A» - an alternative low guitar system. Recalls the sound of Indian sitar.
Modal tunings
In modal tunings, the strings are tuned to form a chord which is not definitively minor or major. These tunings may facilitate very easy chords and unique sounds when the open strings are used as drones. Often these tunings form a suspended chordA suspended chord is a chord in which the third is omitted, replaced usually with either a perfect fourth or a major second , although the fourth is far more common...
on the open strings. A well known user of modal tunings is Sonic YouthSonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
.
- Asus2: E-A-B-E-A-E
- Asus4: E-A-D-E-A-E
- Bsus4: B-F#-B-E-F#-B (DADGAD but 3 steps (1 1/2 note) lower, used by Sevendust
Sevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
on the song "Live AgainLive Again may refer to:* Live Again , a Singaporean Chinese drama* "Live Again" * "Live Again", a song by Better Than Ezra from How Does Your Garden Grow?* "Live Again", a song by Toyo Tsutsuli...
" and on much of their Cold Day MemoryCold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by American alternative metal band Sevendust released on April 20, 2010. This album marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery who previously left Sevendust in 2004 to work with Dark New Day...
album.)
- C6: C-A-C-G-C-E (used by Jimmy Page in Bron-Yr-Aur
Bron-Yr-Aur , sometimes misspelled as Bron-Y-Aur, is an 18th century cottage in South Snowdonia, Wales, best known for its association with the English rock band Led Zeppelin....
)
- Open Page: D-G-C-G-C-D (used by Jimmy Page in The Rain Song
"The Rain Song" is a ballad song from English rock band Led Zeppelin's fifth album Houses of the Holy, released in 1973.-Recording:"The Rain Song" is a love ballad of over 7 minutes in length. Guitarist Jimmy Page originally constructed the melody of this song at his home in Plumpton, England,...
)
- Csus2: C-G-C-G-C-D (first five strings equivalent to Double-C tuning for the banjo
In the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
)
- Csus4: C-G-C-G-C-F
- C15: C-G-D-G-C-D
- Dsus2: D-A-D-E-A-D
- Dsus4
DADGAD, D modal tuning or Celtic tuning is an alternative guitar tuning most associated with Celtic music, though it has also found use in rock and other genres. Instead of the standard EADGBE tuning, the six guitar strings are tuned, from low to high, DADGAD...
: D-A-D-G-A-D
- Esus2: E-B-E-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E (used by My Bloody Valentine in “Only Shallow” and by John Mayer
John Clayton Mayer is an American pop rock and blues rock musician, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He moved to Atlanta in 1997, where he refined his...
in "Something's Missing" and "In Your Atmosphere").
- Esus4: E-B-E-A-B-E
- G6: D-G-D-G-B-E
- Gsus2: D-G-D-G-A-D
- Gsus4: D-G-D-G-C-D (first five strings equivalent to Sawmill tuning for the banjo
In the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
)
Orkney Tuning: C-G-D-G-C-D
- E modal: E-B-E-E-B-E (used in CSN's "Suite Judy Blue Eyes")
- G modal: G-G-D-G-B-D
- B modal: B-F{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}
"Extended chord" tunings
These tunings allow a guitarist to play an open seventh, ninth, eleventh or thirteenth chord, or when the extended tone occurs in the lowest string to exploit the sound of that note as an 'open' string. One or more of the strings is retuned to the appropriate note of the required scale. Such tunings may be either minor or major.
Examples are (low to high):
- Open Dmaj7: D-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-A-C{{music|sharp}}
- Open Dmin7: D-A-D-F-A-C
- When used for rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
purposes, this tuning is highly accessible to musicians who play the guitar as a second instrument but who have preexisting knowledge of music theory: One can play any major, minor, major seventh, or minor seventh chord by barring at the fret of the tonic with the first finger, changing minor to major by using the second (middle) finger to raise the F-string note one half-step from barred, and/or changing seventh to triad-only by using the third (ring) finger to raise the C-string note one whole step from barred. As long as one is familiar with the chord progressionA chord progression is a series of musical chords, or chord changes that "aims for a definite goal" of establishing a tonality founded on a key, root or tonic chord. In other words, the succession of root relationships...
of the song one is playing, this tuning enables even an inexperienced player to play a wide variety of chords (albeit at the cost of frequent jumps up and down the fretboard).
- Open Dmin(add9): D-A-D-F-A-E
- Alternative: E-A-D-F-A-D (used by Oxbow
Oxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the song "Babydoll")
- Open Emin7: E-B-D-G-B-E (same as standard except raised 5th string which needs lighter gauge)
- Open G6: D-G-D-G-B-E
- Dobro open G6: G-B-D-G-B-E (two lowest strings tuned up and require lighter gauges)
- Open G7:
- D-G-D-G-B-F
- D-G-D-F-B-D (both very rare presumably because of tritone
In classical music from Western culture, the tritone |tone]]) is traditionally defined as a musical interval composed of three whole tones. In a chromatic scale, each whole tone can be further divided into two semitones...
between adjacent strings)
- F-G-D-G-B-D
- Open Gmaj7: D-G-D-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D (see slack key)
- "Modal" G7: F-G-D-G-C-D
- "Open G13": F-G-D-G-B-E
- Open Cmin7: C-G-C-G-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
- Open Cmaj7: C-G-C-G-B-E
- Open C6/9: C-G-C-E-A-C
- Open Cmaj9: C-G-D-G-B-E
- Csus2add11: C-G-D-F-c-f
- Golden Blue: C-C-c-c-B{{music|flat}}-F
- Open Gsus4: D-G-C-G-c-d (used by Jimmy Page
James Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
on "The Rain Song"{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}})
Steel Guitar Tuning
On table steel guitarThe console steel guitar is a type of electric steel guitar intermediate between the lap steel guitar and the pedal steel guitar. Console steel guitars typically have multiple necks and/or more than six strings per neck, and are too large to be easily played in lap steel fashion.They are...
and pedal steel guitarThe pedal steel guitar is a type of electric guitar that uses a metal bar to "fret" or shorten the length of the strings, rather than fingers on strings as with a conventional guitar. Unlike other types of steel guitar, it also uses pedals and knee levers to affect the pitch, hence the name "pedal"...
, the most common tunings are the extended-chord C6 tuningC6 tuning is the most common tuning for electric steel guitar, both on single and multiple neck instruments. On a twin-neck, the most common tuning is C6 tuning on the near neck and E9 tuning on the far neck....
and E9 tuningE9 tuning is a common tuning for steel guitar necks of more than six strings. In particular, it is the most common tuning for the far neck on a two-neck table steel guitar or pedal steel guitar, most often combined with C6 tuning for the near neck, and also a popular tuning for single neck...
, sometimes known as the Texas and Nashville tunings respectively. On a multiple-neck instrument, the near neck will normally be some form of C6, and the next closest neck E9.
Necks with 12 or more strings can be used with universal tunings which combine the features of C6 and E9. On a 12 string pedal steel guitar, all 12 strings are tuned and played individually, not as 6 double courses as on the 12 string guitar.
On lap steel guitarThe lap steel guitar is a type of steel guitar, an instrument derived from and similar to the guitar. The player changes pitch by pressing a metal or glass bar against the strings instead of by pressing strings against the fingerboard....
there is often only one six-string neck. C6 tuning is popular for these instruments, as are open G, E6, and E7 tuning.
Dad-Gad
{{main|DADGAD}}
- D-A-D-G-A-D
Often vocalized as "Dad-Gad", DADGADDADGAD, D modal tuning or Celtic tuning is an alternative guitar tuning most associated with Celtic music, though it has also found use in rock and other genres. Instead of the standard EADGBE tuning, the six guitar strings are tuned, from low to high, DADGAD...
is common in Celtic musicCeltic music is a term utilised by artists, record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic people of Western Europe...
, and is also heard in rock musicRock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
for example Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
's "Kashmir"Kashmir" is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin from their sixth album Physical Graffiti, released in 1975. It was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant over a period of three years, with the lyrics dating back to 1973.-Overview:The song centres around a signature chord progression...
". Davy Graham initially employed this tuning so he could play along with the native musicians on a trip to Morocco, it was then taken up by Bert JanschHerbert "Bert" Jansch was a Scottish folk musician and founding member of the band Pentangle. He was born in Glasgow and came to prominence in London in the 1960s, as an acoustic guitarist, as well as a singer-songwriter...
, who influenced Jimmy PageJames Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
to use the tuning in "Kashmir"Kashmir" is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin from their sixth album Physical Graffiti, released in 1975. It was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant over a period of three years, with the lyrics dating back to 1973.-Overview:The song centres around a signature chord progression...
" which in turn helped further popularize it. Pierre BensusanPierre Bensusan is a French-Algerian guitarist. As a sephardic Jew, his family came from Spain, Spanish Morocco and French Algeria. The genre of his acoustic guitar music is often characterized as Celtic, Folk, World music, New Age, or Chamber jazz. He has also published three books of music and...
is another noted exponent of this tuning. Three downtuned variations are used by the band SevendustSevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
. A drop C variation, or C-G-C-F-G-C. (only used on the song "UnravelingUnraveling is the official first single off album Cold Day Memory by heavy metal band Sevendust. On February 5, 2010 the song made its debut on Sirius XM's Octane station. The full song is currently streamed on their Myspace....
"), a drop B variation, or B-F#-B-E-F#-B, and a drop A# variation, or A#-F-A#-D#-F-A#.
Martin CarthyMartin Carthy MBE is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in British traditional music, inspiring contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and later artists such as Richard Thompson since he emerged as a young musician in the early days...
uses the related tunings D-A-D-E-A-E and C-G-C-D-G-A.
A slight (accidental) variation, DADAAD, was used by Dave WakelingDave Wakeling is an English rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is most famous for singing and writing songs for the 1980s 2-Tone band The Beat and also General Public.-Career:...
on the English Beat's 1983 single Save It For Later.
Dad-Dad
{{main|DADDAD}}
- D-A-D-D-A-D
Nicknamed - "Papa-Papa". DADDAD is common in folk music (Irish, Scottish), and for the execution of a rhythm guitar in "heavy" (alternative music) on 6 th on the third string at the same time.
Getting to the Tuning. From DADGAD, Open D or Open D Minor, all you need to do is drop the original G string to D. It takes a few twists, but all you have to do is make it sound like the D string next to it. DADDAD tuning is sometimes used on Dobro guitars for rock blues. A notable example is Stanley JordanStanley Jordan is an American jazz/jazz fusion guitarist and pianist, best known for his development of the tapping technique for the guitar....
and Billy McLaughlinBilly McLaughlin is a new age acoustic guitarist, composer and producer from Minnesota, United States.McLaughlin is a five-time Minnesota Music Award winner with 11 CD releases and Billboard Top-Ten Chart history. He has recorded on the Narada label....
.
All fourths
{{main|All fourths}}
- E-A-d-g-c'-f'
This tuning is like that of the lowest four strings in standard tuning. It removes from standard tuning the irregularity of the interval of a third between the second and third strings. This tuning is sometimes adopted by guitarists who are proficient at two-handed tapping, as it allows for symmetrical scales all the way up and down the fretboard.
All fifths
{{main|All fifths}}
- C-G-d-a-e'-b'
This is a tuning in intervals of fifths like that of a mandolinA mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It descends from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family. The mandolin soundboard comes in many shapes—but generally round or teardrop-shaped, sometimes with scrolls or other projections. A mandolin may have f-holes, or a single...
or a violinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
. Has a remarkably wide range, though it is impossible to achieve with standard equipment (the high b" makes the first string very taut such that it will break easily), and may not play well on an acoustic guitar (the low C is arguably too low to resonate properly in a standard guitar's body).
Some guitarists, notably Robert FrippRobert Fripp is an English guitarist, composer and record producer. He was ranked 42nd on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and #47 on Gibson.com’s "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". Among rock guitarists, Fripp is a master of crosspicking, a technique...
of the band King CrimsonKing Crimson are a rock band founded in London, England in 1969. Often categorised as a foundational progressive rock group, the band have incorporated diverse influences and instrumentation during their history...
, use all fifths tuning with a g' instead of a b' on the first string, making that interval a minor third rather than a perfect fifth. This tuning is often called "New Standard TuningThe new standard tuning is a special type of guitar tuning , introduced by Robert Fripp of King Crimson, who has stated that the tuning "flew by" while he was sweating in a sauna in September 1983. Fripp began using the tuning in 1985 after stepping out of the spotlight before beginning his Guitar...
" by its users. The California Guitar TrioCalifornia Guitar Trio is a band of threeguitar players founded in 1991. Paul Richards of Salt Lake City, Utah, Bert Lams of Brussels,...
commissioned a luthierA luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
to construct three guitars capable of accommodating the string tension required to tune to a b' on the first string, thus becoming the first guitarists to compose music in the true perfect fifth tuning.
Another variation of the all fifths tuning utilizes an additional bass string as an alternative to a high b:
F-C-G-d-a-e This tunes the top 4 strings to the standard mandolin/violin tuning and adds bass missing from those instruments.
Cello/Standard guitar
- C-G-d-a-b-e'
Essentially a 'cello tuning with the deeper four strings in fifths and the two highest strings in standard guitar tuning. Used by OxbowOxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on their 1989 song "The Valley" and 2007 song "Frank's Frolic." Also used by Foo FightersFoo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
on the song "Weenie BeenieFoo Fighters is the debut album by the Foo Fighters. At the time, the only official member of the Foo Fighters was Dave Grohl, who wrote and recorded the entire album himself at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle, Washington in 1994, prior to organizing the band...
"
A variation of this tuning with all three high strings in standard guitar tuning is:
- C-G-d-g-b-e'
Used by OxbowOxbow is a long-lived Avant-Garde band out of San Francisco, California notable for a unique sound. Oxbow plays a blend of Noise rock, Avant-garde jazz, Musique concrète , and Blues, creating soundscapes caustic, or plangent, with overtones of paranoia, revulsion, exaltation.-Current line-up:*Dan...
on the 1993 (recorded) song "Sunday" and 1996 song "The Last Good Time."
"Karnivool" tuning
- B-F{{music|sharp}}-b-g-b-e'
Hybrid tuning between B-tuning and E-standard. Used by the band KarnivoolKarnivool are an Australian progressive rock band formed in Perth in 1997. The group currently consists of Ian Kenny on vocals, Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking on guitar, Jon Stockman on bass guitar, and Steve Judd on drums. Karnivool emerged from a band Kenny and Goddard formed during high school...
for their ThemataThemata is the debut full-length album by the Australian progressive rock band Karnivool. The album was released independently on 7 February 2005, and was distributed via MGM Distribution. The album was released in the United States on 10 April 2007 via Bieler Bros...
album, and some of their Sound AwakeNotes"Deadman" does not run until 12:04, it stops at 10:08, and is followed by a re-recorded version of the closing song from Themata, "Change ", which then segues into "Change "...
Tracks.
Mi-composé
- E-A-d'-g-b-e'
Mi-composé is a tuning commonly used for rhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
in African popular musicAfrican popular music, like African traditional music, is vast and varied. Most contemporary genres of African popular music build on cross-pollination with western popular music. Many genres of popular music like blues, jazz, salsa zouk, and rumba derive to varying degrees on musical traditions...
forms such as soukousSoukous is a dance music genre that originated in the two neighbouring countries of Belgian Congo and French Congo during the 1930s and early 1940s, and which has gained popularity throughout Africa...
and makossaMakossa is a type of music that is most popular in urban areas in Cameroon. It is similar to soukous, except that it includes strong bass rhythm and a prominent horn section. Makossa, which means " dance" in Duala, originated from a type of Duala dance called kossa, with significant influences...
. It is similar to the standard guitar tuning, except that the d string is raised an entire octave. This is accomplished by replacing the d string with an e' string and tuning it to d'.
Ostrich tuning
{{main|Ostrich guitar}}
Ostrich tuning is a tuning where all strings are tuned to the same note, creating an intense, chorusedIn music, a chorus effect occurs when individual sounds with roughly the same timbre and nearly the same pitch converge and are perceived as one...
droneIn music, a drone is a harmonic or monophonic effect or accompaniment where a note or chord is continuously sounded throughout most or all of a piece. The word drone is also used to refer to any part of a musical instrument that is just used to produce such an effect.-A musical effect:A drone...
.
- D-D-D-D-d-d
- E high tuning -E-E-E-E-E-E
Strong E unison high string resonance(See E low tuning).
Love Buzz
- D-A-D-G-B-F
Tuning Created by Kurt CobainKurt Donald Cobain was an American singer-songwriter, musician and artist, best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the grunge band Nirvana...
of NirvanaNirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha...
,
name is from the first song it was recorded on.
Microtonal tuning
{{See also|Microtonal music}}
The open strings of a guitar can be tuned to microtonal intervals, however microtonal scales can not be played on a conventional guitar because the frets only allow for a chromatic scale of twelve equally spaced pitches, each a semitone apart. It is possible to play microtonal scales on a fretless guitarA fretless guitar is a guitar without frets. It operates in the same manner as most other stringed instruments and traditional guitars, but does not have any frets to act as the lower end point of the vibrating string...
or to convert a fretted guitar into a fretless. Guitars can also be refretted to a microtonal scale.
Extended techniques such as 3rd bridgeThe 3rd bridge is an extended playing technique used on some string instruments , that allows a musician to produce distinctive timbres and overtones that are unavailable on a conventional string instrument with two bridges...
technique, slide guitar and prepared guitarA prepared guitar is a guitar that has had its timbre altered by placing various objects on or between the instrument's strings, including other extended techniques...
techniques can be utilized to produce microtonality without severe modification to the instrument.
Five-string tunings
Five string guitars are common in BrazilBrazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, where they are known as guitarra baiana and are typically tuned in 5ths. Schecter Guitar Research produced a production model 5 string guitar called the Celloblaster in 1998. A five-string tuning may be necessary in a pinch when a string breaks on a standard six-string (usually the high E) and no replacement is immediately available.
Some basic five-string tunings include:
- Standard - E-A-D-G-B
The standard tuning, without the top E string attached. Alternative variants are easy from this tuning, but because several chords inherently omit the lowest string, it may leave some chords relatively thin or incomplete with the top string missing (the D chord, for instance, must be fretted 5-4-3-2-3 to include F#, the tone a major third above D).
- Celloblaster tuning - C-G-D-A-E
Similar to All fifths or New Standard Tuning. Used by the noise-rock band Lightning Bolt.
- Baritone - E-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-B
In this tuning, the fourth (G) string is lowered a half-step, thus recreating the intervals between the top five strings, lowered a perfect fourth. Though chords can easily and more fully be played from this tuning, it sometimes results in awkward inversionsIn music theory, the word inversion has several meanings. There are inverted chords, inverted melodies, inverted intervals, and inverted voices...
, a relatively minor problem if the five-string is played in an ensemble with a bass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
.
- E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B
Simulates the top four strings, followed by the second-from-bottom string on top, raised a whole step (the F{{music|sharp}} representing both the top and bottom E). It makes playing in the key of A major easier, though chord fingerings have to be altered unless the strings are rearranged to F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}.
- Open G tuning - G-D-G-B-D
Some slide/bottleneck guitarists omit the bottom E string when playing in open G, in order to have the Root note as the tonic. This tuning is used almost exclusively by Keith RichardsKeith Richards is an English musician, songwriter, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Rolling Stone magazine said Richards had created "rock's greatest single body of riffs", and placed him as the "10th greatest guitarist of all time." Fourteen songs written by Richards and songwriting...
.
- Open E{{music|b}}5 tuning - E{{music|b}}-B{{music|b}}-E{{music|b}}-B{{music|b}}-E{{music|b}}. This is achieved by removing the fourth (G) string, tuning both Es and the B down a half step, and the A and D strings up a half-step. This creates a five-string power chord
In music, a power chord is a chord consisting of only the root note of the chord and the fifth interval, usually played on electric guitar, and typically through an amplification process that imparts distortion...
.
Seven-string tunings
Similar to five-string bass guitar tuning, seven-string tuning allows for the extra string a fourth lower than the original sixth string. This allows for the note range of B standard tuning without transposing E standard guitar chords down two and a half steps down. Baritone 7-string guitars are available which features a longer scale-length allowing it to be tuned to a lower range.
- Standard Tuning - B-E-A-D-G-B-E
Standard seven-string tuning.
- A{{music|sharp}}/B{{music|flat}} tuning - A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}} / B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
Half a step down from standard, used by bands such as EmmureEmmure is an American band formed in 2003, originally based in Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York. The group has a total of seven releases...
and MeshuggahMeshuggah is an extreme metal band from Umeå, Sweden, formed in 1987. Meshuggah's line-up has primarily consisted of founding members vocalist Jens Kidman and lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, drummer Tomas Haake, who joined in 1990, and rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, who joined in 1992...
in their earlier days, Cannibal CorpseCannibal Corpse is an American death metal band from Buffalo, New York. Formed in 1988, the band has released eleven studio albums, one box set, and one live album...
mid-career, Adema-2003–2004: Unstable, Mark Chavez's and Mike Ransom's departure:Adema's second album, Unstable, was released by Arista in August 2003. It was produced by Howard Benson, whose credits also include producing albums with P.O.D., Hoobastank and Cold....
, American Head ChargeAmerican Head Charge is an industrial metal band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, earning nominations at the Kerrang! Awards on two occasions.-Formation:...
, Sonata ArcticaSonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
in their album UniaUnia , released on May 25, 2007, is the fifth full-length studio album by the power metal band Sonata Arctica, following the album Reckoning Night. The first single from the album was "Paid in Full", released on April 27, 2007. The album has more progressive metal styles than their previous work...
and MushroomheadMushroomhead is an American industrial metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in Cleveland Warehouse District, the band's music can be described as a synthesis of alternative music, heavy metal, and electro-industrial...
.
- A tuning - A-D-G-C-F-A-D
A full step down from standard. Used by bands such as KornKorn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
, MushroomheadMushroomhead is an American industrial metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in Cleveland Warehouse District, the band's music can be described as a synthesis of alternative music, heavy metal, and electro-industrial...
and Fear FactoryFear Factory is an American industrial metal band. Formed in 1989, they have released seven full-length albums and a number of singles and remixes. Over the course of their career they have evolved from a succession of styles, as well as steadily pioneered a combination of the styles death metal,...
- G{{music|sharp}}/A{{music|flat}} tuning - G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}} / A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}
One and one half steps down from standard. Used by bands such as Slayer (on War Zone and Here Comes the Pain from God Hates Us AllGod Hates Us All is the ninth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. Released on September 11, 2001, the album received positive critical reviews, although it entered the Billboard 200 at number 28. It was recorded in three months at The Warehouse Studio in Canada, and includes the...
), DeftonesDeftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
(on their self-titled albumDeftones was well received by critics earning an aggregate rating of 74 on Metacritic. The music website Sputnikmusic gave it a perfect score and praised the band for have returned to their heavy sound without leaving behind their experimental side, lauding also Moreno's abstract lyrics and the...
) and KornKorn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
(on the song "Alone I Break"Alone I Break" is a song written and recorded by American rock band Korn for their fifth studio album, Untouchables. It was released as the album's third single in November 2002.-Music and structure:...
", but on 14-string guitars.)
- G tuning - G-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G-C / G-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-G-C
Two full steps down from standard tuning.
- F{{music|sharp}}/G{{music|flat}} tuning - F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-B / G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A-D-G{{music|flat}}-B
Two and one half steps down from standard. Used by DanishDenmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
band MnemicMnemic is a Danish metal band, formed in Aalborg, Denmark in 1998. Their music has been described as a fusion between metalcore, melodic death metal, industrial metal and progressive metal, with additional elements of thrash metal and groove metal, to form a style the band themselves have...
in the albums Passenger-Credits:* Guillaume Bideau - vocals* Mircea Gabriel Eftemie - guitar, keyboards* Rune Stigart - guitar* Tomas Koefoed - bass* Brian Rasmussen - drums- References :...
and Sons of the SystemSons of the System is the fourth album by Danish industrial metal band Mnemic, released in Europe on January 18, 2010 and in North America on January 26, 2010....
.
- F tuning - F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}} / F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}
Three full steps down from standard. Used by MeshuggahMeshuggah is an extreme metal band from Umeå, Sweden, formed in 1987. Meshuggah's line-up has primarily consisted of founding members vocalist Jens Kidman and lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, drummer Tomas Haake, who joined in 1990, and rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, who joined in 1992...
during the recording of Nothing. The songs are played live using 8 string guitars.
- E tuning - E-A-D-G-C-E-A
Three and one half steps down from standard.
- D{{music|sharp}}/E♭ tuning - D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}} / E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}
Four full steps down from standard.
- D tuning - D-G-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D-G / D-G-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-D-G
Four and one half steps down from standard.
- C{{music|sharp}}/D{{music|flat}} tuning - C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}/
Five full steps down from standard.
- C tuning - C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C-F / C-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-C-F
Five and one half steps down from standard.
- Octave Tuning - B-E-A-D-G-B-E
Six full steps (one octave) down from standard tuning.
- Thirds Tuning - E-G{{music|sharp}}-C-E-G{{music|sharp}}-c-e
Same range as standard six-string. Allows over two full chromatic octaves without changing position, slides or bends.
The open C tuning for 7-string guitar was Devin Townsend'sDevin Garret Townsend is a Canadian musician and record producer. He was the founder, songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist in extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad from 1994 to 2007 and has had an extensive career as a solo artist....
preferred tuning for the extreme metal band Strapping Young LadStrapping Young Lad was a Canadian extreme metal band formed by Devin Townsend in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1994. The band started as a one-man studio project; Townsend played most of the instruments on the 1995 debut album, Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing...
.
Seven-string dropped tunings
These tunings have the added low 7th string tuned one full step lower allowing for chord structures similar to six-string drop tunings.
- Drop B - B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / B-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}
a tuning which combines the standard drop B tuning of a 6 string electric guitar, but with a high F{{music|sharp}} for soloing. Used by bands such as All Shall PerishAll Shall Perish is an American deathcore band from Oakland, California, formed in 2002. Currently, the band is signed to Nuclear Blast and have released four full-length albums through the label. Their latest record, This Is Where It Ends was released on July 26, 2011...
and Assemble the Chariots
- Drop A - A-E-A-D-G-B-E
A combination of standard 6 string tuning and a 7th string dropped one full step for power chords, used by deathcoreDeathcore is an extreme metal music genre that combines elements of death metal with elements of metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It is defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns...
bands such as Suicide SilenceSuicide Silence is an American extreme metal band from Riverside, California. The group consists of vocalist Mitch Lucker, guitarists Chris Garza and Mark Heylmun, drummer Alex Lopez and bassist Dan Kenny. Formed in 2002, the band has released three full-length studio albums, one EP and seven music...
, OceanoOceano is an American deathcore band from Chicago, IL formed in 2006. The band signed to Earache Records and released their debut album, Depths on April 7, 2009. Their second album, Contagion was released on November 9, 2010.-History:...
, and WhitechapelWhitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The group comprises vocalist Phil Bozeman, guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade, Zach Householder; bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Ben Harclerode. Their band name is derived from a district in the built-up inner city of London, known...
, as well as other bands such as Blotted ScienceBlotted Science is an instrumental technical death metal supergroup headed by Ron Jarzombek , bassist Alex Webster and drummer Hannes Grossmann...
, In This MomentIn This Moment is an American metalcore band from North Hollywood , California. Formed in 2005, the group has released three albums to date, all through Century Media Records.-Founding:...
, Dir En GreyDir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
, ChimairaChimaira is an American heavy metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1998, the group is a notable member of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal scene. The band's name is derived from the word Chimera, a monstrous creature in Greek mythology...
(on their first album), and occasionally Scar SymmetryScar Symmetry is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Avesta in Dalarna County, formed in 2004. The band has released five albums, with six released singles...
, Escape the FateEscape the Fate is an American post-hardcore band from Las Vegas, Nevada formed in 2005 and originally from Pahrump, Nevada. They have released three EPs and three full-length studio albums. Dying Is Your Latest Fashion was the band's debut album and only album to feature vocalist Ronnie Radke...
, The Devil Wears PradaThe Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio. Formed in 2005, they are currently signed to Warner Music Group...
, and Dry Kill LogicDry Kill Logic is a four-piece metal band from Westchester County, New York, USA. They formed in 1993 and are still active...
. Triumphant Return guitarist Matti varies this tuning by dropping both the low B to A and low E to D and raising the high B and E a half-step to C and F (A-D-A-D-G-C-F).
- Drop A - alternatively, A-E-A-D-F#-B-E
The same as drop A tuning for a 6-string on the low strings while retaining a high E. In effect converts a 7-string into a drop A baritone guitar, but with standard tuning's soloing capability.
- Drop G{{music|sharp}}/Drop A{{music|flat}} -G{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}} / A{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
One half step down from standard Drop A. Used by bands such as DestrophyDestrophy is an alternative metal band from Des Moines, Iowa City, Iowa, formed in 2002 by singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Ari...
and PeripheryPeriphery is an American metal band from Bethesda, Maryland , formed in 2005.- Formation and lineup changes :Periphery was formed by guitarist Misha Mansoor in 2005...
- Drop G - G-D-G-C-F-A-D
A full step from standard Drop A, used by such bands as Impending DoomImpending Doom is a Christian deathcore band from Riverside, California.-History:Brook Reeves and Manny Contreras started the band in 2005 with ex members Chris Forno, Isaac Bueno, and Jon. After releasing the The Sin and Doom of Godless Men EP, Greg Pewthers joined on third guitar after leaving...
.
- Drop F{{music|sharp}}/Drop G{{music|flat}} - F{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}} / G{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}
One and one half steps down from standard Drop A. Used by DeftonesDeftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
(on their Saturday Night WristSaturday Night Wrist is the fifth studio album by American metal band Deftones. It was released on Maverick Records on October 31, 2006. Despite early contributions that were later scrapped, Saturday Night Wrist marks the departure of mainstay Deftones producer Terry Date.The band's fifth album...
album).
- Drop F -F-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G-C / F-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-G-C /
Two full steps down from standard Drop A. Triumphant Return uses a variation of this tuning also (F-C-G-C-F-A-D).
- Drop E - E-B-E-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-B / E-B-E-A-D-G{{music|flat}}-B
Two and one half steps down from standard Drop A.
- Drop D{{music|sharp}}/Drop E{{music|flat}} - D{{music|sharp}}-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}} / E{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}
Three full steps down from standard Drop A.
- Drop D - D-A-D-G-C-E-A
Three and one half steps down from standard Drop A.
- Drop C{{music|sharp}}/Drop D{{music|flat}} - D{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}} / C{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}}-B-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}
Four full steps down from standard Drop A.
- Drop C - C-G-C-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D-G / C-G-C-F-B{{music|flat}}-D-G
Four and one half steps down from standard Drop A.
- Drop B1 - B-F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-C{{music|sharp}}-F{{music|sharp}} / B-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}
Five full steps down from standard Drop A. Six full steps (one octave) down from a baritone Drop B guitar
- Drop A{{music|sharp}}/Drop B{{music|flat}} - A{{music|sharp}}-F-A{{music|sharp}}-D{{music|sharp}}-G{{music|sharp}}-C-F / B{{music|flat}}-F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-C-F
Five and one half steps down from standard Drop A.
- Drop A1 Tuning - A-E-A-D-G-B-E
Six full steps (one octave) down from standard Drop A.
Eight-string tunings
A continuation of the 7-string, adding another string a fifth lower than the seven strings low B. The eight string guitars additional low F{{music|sharp}} string is just a whole step up from a bass guitars low E string. While luthiers have been building these instruments previously, mass-produced Eight-string electric guitars are a relatively recent innovation. Ibanez was first to offer a production 8-string guitar in March 2007. Many other companies now produce mass-market 8-string models, yet these guitars remain relatively uncommon.
- Standard - F{{music|sharp}}-B-E-A-D-G-B-E
Standard eight-string tuning. Used by Scar SymmetryScar Symmetry is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Avesta in Dalarna County, formed in 2004. The band has released five albums, with six released singles...
on the song "Mechanical Soul Cybernetics" from the album Dark Matter Dimensions- Music videos :In early September 2009, a video was filmed for the song "Noumenon & Phenomenon" with director Maurice Swinkels . Swinkels had previously produced the bands music video for "The Illusionist"...
and by DeftonesDeftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
on their album Diamond EyesDiamond Eyes is the sixth album by American Alternative metal band Deftones, released worldwide on May 4, 2010 through Warner Bros. and Reprise Records...
.
- F tuning - F-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
Half a step down from standard tuning. Used by MeshuggahMeshuggah is an extreme metal band from Umeå, Sweden, formed in 1987. Meshuggah's line-up has primarily consisted of founding members vocalist Jens Kidman and lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, drummer Tomas Haake, who joined in 1990, and rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, who joined in 1992...
and After The BurialAfter the Burial is an American heavy metal band from Twin Cities, Minnesota. The group is currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released two of their three full-length albums through the label...
.
- E tuning - E-A-D-G-C-F-A-D
One full step down from standard tuning. Used by Meshuggah
- E{{music|flat}} tuning- E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B-E-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}
One and a half steps down from standard tuning. Used by Meshuggah.
- A tuning - A-D-G-C-F-A-D-G
Three and one half steps down from standard tuning.
- High A - B-E-A-D-G-B-E-A
Standard seven string tuning with a 'high a' Used by Rusty CooleyRusty Cooley is a guitarist from Houston, Texas known for his highly refined guitar technique.-Early life:Rusty received his first equipment on his fifteenth birthday. From that day on Cooley immersed himself in music, practicing upwards of 4 hours a day...
.
Eight-string dropped tunings
- Drop E/F{{music|flat}} - E-B-E-A-D-G-B-E
A combination of standard 7 string tuning and a 8th string dropped one full step for power chords, used by Animals as LeadersAnimals as Leaders is an American, Washington, D.C.–based instrumental progressive metal band, formed by guitarist Tosin Abasi in 2007 which now includes guitarist Javier Reyes and drummer Navene Koperweis. The self-titled debut album was released in April 2009 by Prosthetic Records...
and WhitechapelWhitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The group comprises vocalist Phil Bozeman, guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade, Zach Householder; bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Ben Harclerode. Their band name is derived from a district in the built-up inner city of London, known...
on two songs on their A New Era Of CorruptionA New Era of Corruption is the third studio album by the American deathcore band Whitechapel. It was released worldwide on June 8, 2010, through Metal Blade Records...
album (E-A-E-A-D-G-B-E).
- Drop E{{music|flat}}/D{{music|sharp}} - E{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}-A{{music|flat}}-D{{music|flat}}-G{{music|flat}}-B{{music|flat}}-E{{music|flat}}
Half a step down from drop E tuning. Used by MeshuggahMeshuggah is an extreme metal band from Umeå, Sweden, formed in 1987. Meshuggah's line-up has primarily consisted of founding members vocalist Jens Kidman and lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, drummer Tomas Haake, who joined in 1990, and rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, who joined in 1992...
in the album Catch Thirty-Three, in the song Shed, and used by Emmure in the album Speaker Of The DeadSpeaker of the Dead is the fourth studio album by deathcore band Emmure, released on February 15, 2011. It is the first release ever by the band to have a gap more than just a year between their last release and is also the first album by them to be produced by Joey Sturgis...
in the song "Word of Intulo"
- Drop D - D-A-D-G-C-F-A-D
One full step down from drop E.
External links
{{wikibooks|Guitar|Tuning the Guitar|Tuning the Guitar}}
{{Guitar tunings}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Guitar Tunings}}