Most songs use standard tuning (EADGBe), but alternate tunings open up different chord voicings, resonances, and playing styles. Each tuning changes the character of the instrument — from the heavy power-chord accessibility of Drop D to the open, resonant drone of DADGAD. Here is a complete reference for the most commonly used alternate tunings.
Drop D tuning (DADGBe)
Drop D is the simplest and most widely used alternate tuning. Only the low E string changes — it is lowered by a whole tone to D2. This single change allows power chords to be played with a single finger barring across the bottom three strings, which is why Drop D is so popular in rock and metal. The rest of the strings remain in standard tuning.
| String | Note | Octave | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (lowest) | D | 2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | A | 2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4 | D | 3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G | 3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | B | 3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 (highest) | E | 4 | 329.63 Hz |
Half step down (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb)
Half step down tuning lowers every string by one semitone. The resulting pitch is slightly lower and the string tension is a little looser, which some guitarists find more comfortable to play. It is a common choice in hard rock and metal — bands including Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, and Stevie Ray Vaughan recorded extensively in this tuning. It also lets singers hit notes more easily if the original key is slightly out of range.
| String | Note | Octave | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (lowest) | Eb | 2 | 77.78 Hz |
| 5 | Ab | 2 | 103.83 Hz |
| 4 | Db | 3 | 138.59 Hz |
| 3 | Gb | 3 | 185.00 Hz |
| 2 | Bb | 3 | 233.08 Hz |
| 1 (highest) | Eb | 4 | 311.13 Hz |
Full step down (DGCFAd)
Full step down tuning lowers every string by a full tone. The sound is heavier and darker than standard or half step down. This tuning is popular in hard rock and metal genres where a deep, thick tone is desirable. Because all strings are lowered equally, all your standard chord shapes and scale patterns work exactly the same way — they just sound a whole step lower.
| String | Note | Octave | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (lowest) | D | 2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | G | 2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | C | 3 | 130.81 Hz |
| 3 | F | 3 | 174.61 Hz |
| 2 | A | 3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 (highest) | D | 4 | 293.66 Hz |
Open G tuning (DGDGBd)
In Open G tuning, strumming all six strings open produces a G major chord. The low E string drops to D, the A string drops to G, and the high e string drops to D — the other three strings remain the same as standard. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones famously removed the low D string and played a five-string guitar in Open G, giving his rhythm playing its distinctive chunky quality. Open G is also the go-to tuning for slide guitar.
| String | Note | Octave | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (lowest) | D | 2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | G | 2 | 98.00 Hz |
| 4 | D | 3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G | 3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | B | 3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 1 (highest) | D | 4 | 293.66 Hz |
DADGAD tuning
DADGAD is a modal tuning — playing all strings open produces a Dsus4 chord rather than a major or minor chord. The ambiguous, unresolved quality of the sus4 chord gives DADGAD its characteristic open, drone-like sound. It is extremely popular in Celtic folk music, fingerstyle guitar, and Middle Eastern styles. Jimmy Page used DADGAD for Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, and it is the preferred tuning of many acoustic fingerstyle players including Pierre Bensusan.
| String | Note | Octave | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (lowest) | D | 2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 5 | A | 2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4 | D | 3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 3 | G | 3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 2 | A | 3 | 220.00 Hz |
| 1 (highest) | D | 4 | 293.66 Hz |
How to tune to alternate tunings
The online tuner at guitartuner.dev makes switching between tunings simple:
- Open the tuner at guitartuner.dev.
- Tap the tuning name displayed at the top of the screen.
- Select the desired tuning from the list.
- Tune each string to the displayed target note, one at a time.
The tuner displays the target note and frequency for each string in the selected tuning, so you always know exactly where to aim.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular alternate guitar tuning?
Drop D is the most common alternate tuning. It requires only a single string change from standard and immediately enables single-finger power chords. It is widely used in rock, metal, and acoustic music.
Does tuning to a lower tuning damage my guitar?
No, lower tunings reduce string tension slightly, which is not harmful. If you regularly play more than a full step down, consider using heavier gauge strings to maintain appropriate tension and tone. Your guitar's intonation and action may need minor adjustment for very low tunings.
What songs use Open G tuning?
Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, and Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones are classic examples. Many slide guitar pieces also use Open G, as the open chord voicings make slides across all strings particularly musical.
What is DADGAD used for?
DADGAD is popular in Celtic, folk, and Middle Eastern music due to its open, droning quality. Jimmy Page used it for Kashmir by Led Zeppelin, and it is widely used in fingerstyle acoustic guitar for its rich, resonant sound.
How do I get back to standard tuning?
Select Standard from the tuning selector in the tuner and retune each string. Since alternate tunings often lower strings, you will be tuning up — approach each target from slightly below for best results.