Drop D

The simplest alternate tuning: lower string 6 from E down to D. Everything else stays the same.

Drop D lets you play power chords with one finger across the bottom 3 strings and gives access to that deep, heavy low D bass note. Essential for rock, metal, folk, and Celtic music.

Tuning: D-A-D-G-B-E. Only string 6 changes.

DADGAD

DADGAD (pronounced "dad-gad") creates a suspended, open, drone-like sound. The open strings form a Dsus4 chord — neither major nor minor, giving it a mystical, Celtic, ambient quality.

It's the tuning of choice for Celtic folk, new age, and ambient guitar. The open strings ring sympathetically creating a harp-like wash of sound. Simple chord shapes create complex, resonant voicings.

Exploring New Tunings

Each alternate tuning is like a new instrument — familiar chord shapes produce completely different sounds, and new shapes become possible.

The general approach when learning a new tuning:
1. Find where the simple chords are (I, IV, V)
2. Explore what the open strings give you
3. Look for drone notes (strings that ring open over many chords)
4. Experiment with familiar picking patterns in the new harmonic landscape

Tab Examples

D5:        F5:        G5:
e|-----|  e|-----|  e|-----|
B|-----|  B|-----|  B|-----|
G|-----|  G|-----|  G|-----|
D|--0--|  D|--3--|  D|--5--|
A|--0--|  A|--3--|  A|--5--|
D|--0--|  D|--3--|  D|--5--|

In drop D, power chords on the bottom 3 strings use just one finger.

Tips

Drop D only changes one string — it's the easiest entry into alternate tunings

DADGAD is perfect for atmospheric, Celtic, or ambient guitar

Each tuning opens new chord voicings impossible in standard

When exploring, play slowly and listen — let the tuning reveal its character

Practice Exercises

Tune to drop D and play power chords with one finger across strings 6-5-4

Try familiar open chords in drop D — some sound different, some work the same

Tune to DADGAD and strum the open strings — explore the sound

Find simple chord shapes in DADGAD by experimenting with familiar finger positions