7 reasons to try alternate guitar tunings

Why you should try alternate tunings

Now we’ve covered what they are and how they're formed, it’s time to answer why you should try them out.

#1 - Creative expression

Exploring different guitar tunings opens up a vast array of new sounds and textures, allowing you to express yourself in unique and innovative ways.

• Challenges muscle memory, pushing you to find new finger placements and patterns.
• Forces you to experiment with unconventional chord progressions and melodies.
• Boosts creative problem-solving as you adapt to the limitations and opportunities of different tunings.

It can inspire fresh musical ideas and compositions that might not have been possible in standard tuning.

#2 - Explore new genres

Each tuning has its own distinct characteristics and associations with different genres.

• Exploring these tunings provides insight into the techniques and musical elements of those genres.
• Drop tunings are closely associated with metal – they almost encourage you to create riffs in that style.
• Open G tuning is synonymous with slide and blues guitar and again, you will feel pulled in that direction when playing with this tuning.

By experimenting in this way, you can immerse yourself in a wide range of musical styles and cultures, broadening your musical horizons.

#3 - Break out of ruts

Stuck in a creative rut or feel like you're playing the same things repeatedly? Changing the tuning can provide a refreshing perspective, especially if:

• The chord shapes you know don’t inspire you.
• Your fingers always lead you in a certain direction.
• You want to break out of your comfort zone.

That unfamiliar feeling will encourage experimentation and force your mind to engage with what you’re playing.

#4 - Discover new chords and voicings

Alternative tunings often lead to discovering novel chord shapes and voicings that could be impossible in standard tuning.

• Alternate tunings displace all the familiar intervals on the fretboard.
• This inspires a unique approach to chord construction.
• The unfamiliar territory can help you build a palette of unusual voicings.

These chord voicings can be a great way for you to develop an original sound as a guitarist.

#5 - Enhance your ear and theory knowledge

As you navigate through different tunings, you'll develop a skill for finding intervals and building harmony using your ear.

• Many guitarists rely heavily on fret numbers, chord shapes, and scale patterns.
• When you change the tuning, all of that goes out the window.
• You’re forced to use your ears and brain to figure out what’s going on.

Paying closer attention to the relationships between notes will deepen your understanding of theory and sharpen your musical intuition.

#6 - Study certain songs

Tons of famous songs were written in alternate tunings and often there’s no way to play them without retuning your guitar.

• Some guitarists are masters of certain alternate tunings.
• By studying their songs you can pick up ideas and techniques for that specific tuning.

Playing these songs authentically will give you a deeper insight into the style, and possibilities of writing in alternate tunings.

#7 - Songwriting inspiration

Different guitar tunings can serve as a launch pad for songwriting.

• Fresh songwriting ideas normally jump out from nowhere when you least suspect it.
• Those ‘happy accidents’ occur more frequently in alternate tunings.
• Use these tunings to put yourself in an entirely new musical space, where you can’t fall back on your go-to progressions.

I little bit of discomfort during the writing process can be a good thing – it’ll motivate you toward a more creative approach.

Conclusion

There it is! All that’s left now is for you to try some alternate tunings yourself.

Once you get started, it’s guaranteed that you’ll stumble upon an idea that would never have happened in standard tuning.

So to round up – the biggest benefits of experimenting with different tunings are:

• The guitar will sound and feel different.
• It will challenge your brain and your fingers.
• You may develop an entirely new style.

Just remember to be gentle with those tuning pegs! Only increase string tension in small increments – your guitar will thank you for it.

Have fun exploring!

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Author: Richard Spooner

Richard Spooner is a writer and musician originally from the UK. After studying contemporary guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London, he toured the UK with various groups, playing styles ranging from acoustic to metal.

Richard's diverse experience gigging, studying music, working in guitar stores, and managing rehearsal studios has given him valuable insight into guitar and what it means to be a working musician. Since 2019, he has been traveling and working as an editor for Pickup Music, while also contributing to Total Guitar, Killer Guitar Rigs, and Guitar Pro. After a decade of performing, he now enjoys creating songs, writing about guitar, and taking long walks on the beach.