Have you ever wondered why some guitarists choose to use unconventional tuning methods? It’s a question that has intrigued many music enthusiasts and sparked curiosity in the realm of guitar playing. While standard tuning is widely used and understood, there are guitarists who decide to venture into uncharted territories by experimenting with alternative tunings. These unconventional tuning methods offer new possibilities and unique sounds that can bring a fresh perspective to the familiar instrument. From open tunings to drop tunings, each alternative tuning brings its own set of advantages and challenges, ultimately allowing guitarists to explore unexplored musical territories and create their own distinct sounds. So, why exactly do some guitarists choose to step away from the norm and embrace unconventional tuning methods? Let’s explore this fascinating subject and uncover the motivations behind their choices.

Different Tuning Methods

Standard Tuning

Standard tuning refers to the traditional tuning method for the guitar, where the strings are tuned to EADGBE from low to high. This tuning is widely used in most genres of music and is the default tuning for most beginner guitarists. It allows for easy chord shapes and facilitates playing common scales and melodies.

Alternate Tunings

Alternate tunings, also known as non-standard tunings, are different from the standard tuning and involve changing the pitch of one or more strings to achieve a different sound. These tunings allow guitarists to explore new tonal possibilities and create unique chord voicings that may not be achievable in standard tuning. Examples of alternate tunings include Drop D tuning (DADGBE), Open D tuning (DADF#AD), and many others.

Open Tunings

Open tunings are a specialized form of alternate tunings that involve tuning the guitar strings to form an open chord when strummed without any fingerings. This allows guitarists to achieve a full, rich sound with minimal effort. Open tunings are particularly popular among slide guitar players due to the ease of sliding along the strings to create expressive melodies and harmonies. Open G tuning (DGDGBD) and Open E tuning (EBEG#BE) are common examples of open tunings.

Dropped Tunings

Dropped tunings refer to a type of alternate tuning where one or more strings are lowered in pitch, typically a whole step or more, from the standard tuning. This produces a deeper, heavier sound and is commonly used in genres like metal and rock music. Drop D tuning, where the low E string is lowered to a D, is a widely used dropped tuning.

Benefits and Advantages of Unconventional Tuning Methods

Expanded Chord Voicings

One of the main benefits of using unconventional tuning methods is the ability to create new and expanded chord voicings. By changing the pitch of the strings, guitarists can explore unique chord shapes and progressions that are not possible in standard tuning. These expanded chord voicings can add depth and complexity to a guitarist’s playing, allowing for more creative and expressive musical possibilities.

Unique Harmonic Qualities

Different tunings can have specific harmonic qualities and resonances that are distinct from the standard tuning. By altering the tension and pitch relationships between the strings, guitarists can create a wide range of tonal colors. This can result in a more vibrant and dynamic sound palette, adding depth and richness to their compositions.

Easier Fingerings for Specific Pieces

Unconventional tunings can also make certain pieces of music easier to play. By changing the tuning, guitarists can simplify complex fingerings and create more ergonomic playing positions. This can be particularly helpful for beginners or guitarists with physical limitations, as it can reduce the technical demands of certain pieces and make them more accessible.

Different Tonal Colors

Each tuning method has its own unique tonal color, which can greatly influence the overall mood and character of a piece of music. Unconventional tunings offer a wide variety of tonal colors that can inspire creativity and evoke different emotions. They can provide a fresh perspective and challenge guitarists to explore new sonic territories, opening up new avenues for musical expression.

Expression and Creativity

Freedom to Explore New Sounds

One of the greatest advantages of using unconventional tuning methods is the freedom to explore new sounds and textures. By deviating from standard tuning, guitarists can tap into uncharted musical territory and discover unique combinations of notes and chords. This experimentation can lead to fresh musical ideas and inspire creativity in composition and improvisation.

Enhanced Musical Expression

Unconventional tuning methods can greatly enhance a guitarist’s ability to express themselves musically. By venturing into different tunings, guitarists can find new ways to convey emotions and create distinctive sonic landscapes. The altered resonance and tonal qualities of unconventional tunings provide a broader range of expressive possibilities, allowing for a deeper connection between the guitarist and the listener.

Unconventional Tuning as a Form of Artistic Expression

Utilizing unconventional tuning methods can be seen as a form of artistic expression in itself. It allows guitarists to break free from traditional norms and explore their own unique sound. By embracing unconventional tunings, guitarists can develop their own signature style and create music that is truly distinct and personal to them. It is a way for artists to push boundaries and challenge conventions, resulting in innovative and groundbreaking musical expressions.

Influence of Different Music Genres

Folk and Acoustic Music

Unconventional tuning methods have a rich history in folk and acoustic music. Many folk guitarists utilize alternate tunings to create a more authentic and resonant sound for traditional folk songs. This allows them to incorporate unique chord voicings and open string harmonies that are characteristic of the genre. Artists like Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell have made extensive use of open and alternate tunings in their folk-inspired compositions, contributing to the distinctiveness and richness of the genre.

Blues and Slide Guitar

Blues music often employs open tunings, most notably Open G and Open D. These tunings provide the perfect platform for slide guitar playing, where a slide is used to glide across the strings, creating smooth and expressive melodies. Open tunings in blues allow for easy access to the fundamental notes of the blues scale, giving a guitarist the ability to create soulful and emotive sounds synonymous with the genre.

Experimental and Avant-Garde Music

Unconventional tuning methods are widely embraced in experimental and avant-garde music. These genres thrive on pushing the boundaries of traditional musical structures, and alternate tunings provide a means to achieve unconventional sounds and textures. Artists like Sonic Youth, known for their experimentation with tunings, have created groundbreaking music that redefines the limits of guitar playing and sonic possibilities. The use of unconventional tunings in these genres allows for a more exploratory and innovative approach to composition and sound design.

Metal and Extended Range Guitars

Metal music often utilizes dropped tunings to achieve a heavier and more aggressive sound. By lowering the pitch of the strings, metal guitarists can create crushing riffs and powerful grooves. Extended range guitars, such as 7-string or 8-string guitars, further expand the possibilities for dropped tunings, allowing for even deeper and heavier sounds. This enables metal guitarists to create the intense and visceral tones that define the genre.

Inspiration from Influential Guitarists

Sonic Exploration of Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore

Thurston Moore, guitarist of the influential band Sonic Youth, is known for his innovative use of unconventional tunings. Moore’s experimentation with alternate and open tunings has resulted in the creation of unique sonic landscapes. His ability to manipulate the guitar’s tuning, combined with his distinctive playing style, has contributed to Sonic Youth’s iconic sound and their pioneering influence in the alternative and noise rock genres.

Innovative Use of Alternate Tunings by Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is renowned for her innovative use of alternate tunings in folk and acoustic music. Mitchell’s exploration of tunings allowed her to create intricate and nuanced chord voicings that became an integral part of her distinctive sound. Her compositions in unorthodox tunings, such as Open D and Open G, showcase her ability to weave complex melodies and harmonies, setting her apart as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her time.

David Gilmour’s Signature Bends in Pink Floyd’s Music

David Gilmour, the guitarist of Pink Floyd, is known for his emotive and expressive playing style. While not commonly associated with unconventional tunings, Gilmour has been known to experiment with altered tunings to achieve certain bends and effects in his solos. This unconventional approach adds an extra dimension of depth and feeling to his playing, contributing to the iconic and immersive soundscapes of Pink Floyd’s music.

Jimmy Page’s Heavy Riffs with Unconventional Tunings

Jimmy Page, the guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is renowned for his heavy riffs and innovative use of unconventional tunings. Page’s exploration of dropped tunings, such as DADGAD and Dropped C, allowed him to create the iconic guitar parts in songs like “Kashmir” and “Black Dog.” His ability to combine unconventional tunings with intricate fingerpicking patterns and powerful riffs solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Technical Challenges of Unconventional Tunings

Complicated Fingerings

One of the challenges of using unconventional tunings is the need to adapt to new fingerings and chord shapes. Switching from standard tuning to an alternate or dropped tuning can require guitarists to relearn familiar patterns and develop new muscle memory. This can be particularly challenging for beginners or guitarists who are accustomed to playing in standard tuning. However, with practice and persistence, these challenges can be overcome, and guitarists can develop fluency in unconventional tunings.

Need for Specific String Gauges

Unconventional tunings may require guitarists to use specific string gauges to achieve optimal tension and intonation. The altered pitch and tension created by unconventional tunings can cause certain string gauges to sound dull or create buzzing issues. By experimenting with different string gauges, guitarists can find the perfect balance of tension and tonal quality for their desired tuning. This can require some trial and error, as finding the right combination of string gauges can greatly impact the overall playability and sound of the guitar.

Adapting to Different Timbres

Each unconventional tuning has its own unique timbre and resonance. This means that guitarists must adapt their playing style and technique to accommodate the specific tonal qualities of each tuning. For example, an open tuning may require a different approach to slide guitar techniques, while dropped tunings may require adjustments to bending and vibrato techniques. Adapting to different timbres can be challenging, but it also opens up new possibilities for expression and musicality.

Evolution of Unconventional Tuning Methods

Historical Background and Early Innovators

Unconventional tuning methods have been used by guitarists for centuries, with references to alternate and open tunings dating back to the 16th century. Throughout history, guitarists have continuously experimented with tunings to achieve new sounds and techniques. Early innovators, such as classical guitarist Ferdinando Carulli and blues guitarist Robert Johnson, contributed to the development and popularity of alternate and open tunings.

Influence of Modern Guitarists

In the modern era, numerous guitarists have pushed the boundaries of conventional tunings and further expanded the possibilities for guitar playing. Influential figures like John Fahey, Leo Kottke, and Nick Drake brought alternate and open tunings into the forefront of folk and acoustic music. Their exploration of unconventional tunings paved the way for future generations of guitarists to delve deeper into the sonic possibilities that lie beyond standard tuning.

Exploration of New Tuning Possibilities

In recent years, advancements in technology and the widespread sharing of information have allowed guitarists to explore and create new tuning methods more readily. Online communities and resources have facilitated the exchange of tuning ideas and techniques, enabling guitarists to experiment with unconventional tunings more easily. This has sparked a renaissance in unconventional tuning methods, with artists and enthusiasts continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar.

Common Unconventional Tuning Methods

Open G Tuning

Open G tuning, also known as Spanish tuning or Vestapol tuning, is a popular open tuning for guitar. In this tuning, the guitar strings are tuned to DGDGBD from low to high. Open G tuning is commonly used in genres like blues, country, and slide guitar, as it allows for easy access to major and minor chords across the fretboard.

DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD tuning is an alternate tuning that is widely used by fingerstyle guitarists and Celtic musicians. In this tuning, the guitar strings are tuned to DADGAD from low to high. DADGAD tuning provides a rich and resonant sound and allows guitarists to create lush, open chord voicings. It has become particularly popular for playing traditional Celtic tunes and atmospheric compositions.

Drop D Tuning

Drop D tuning is a dropped tuning where the low E string is tuned down a whole step to D, resulting in DADGBE from low to high. This tuning is popular in rock and metal genres due to its ability to create heavier and more aggressive sounds. Drop D tuning allows guitarists to easily play power chords and explore different harmonic possibilities with the lower range of the guitar.

Dropped C Tuning

Dropped C tuning, also known as C Standard tuning, is a dropped tuning where the strings are tuned down a whole step, resulting in CGCFAD from low to high. This tuning is commonly used in heavy metal and hardcore genres, as it provides a darker and more aggressive tone. Dropped C tuning allows guitarists to achieve a lower range and create powerful and crushing riffs.

Effects of Unconventional Tuning on Guitar Technique

Fingerpicking Styles

Unconventional tunings can greatly influence fingerpicking styles and techniques. Open tunings, in particular, lend themselves well to fingerpicking due to the open strings that produce harmonic resonances. Guitarists can use these resonances to create intricate and complex fingerstyle patterns, adding depth and richness to their playing. Different tunings may require guitarists to adapt their fingerpicking techniques to explore the unique tonal possibilities and enhance their overall musical expression.

Slide Guitar Techniques

Slide guitar techniques, such as using a glass or metal slide to create gliding sounds, are closely associated with open tunings. The open strings in these tunings allow for smooth sliding motions along the fretboard, producing expressive melodies and intricate harmonies. The use of unconventional tunings in slide guitar playing provides additional tonal options and creative possibilities, allowing for soulful and emotive performances.

Unique Approaches to Strumming

Unconventional tunings can also lead to the development of unique strumming techniques. The altered chord voicings and harmonic qualities of different tunings can inspire guitarists to experiment with rhythm and strumming patterns. This can result in the creation of intricate and unconventional strumming styles that add depth and complexity to a guitarist’s playing. Strumming techniques in alternate tunings can unlock new rhythmic possibilities and contribute to the overall musicality and expressiveness of a guitar performance.

Conclusion

Unconventional tuning methods offer guitarists a world of creative possibilities and sonic exploration. From expanded chord voicings and unique harmonic qualities to enhanced musical expression and artistic freedom, unconventional tunings can significantly influence a guitarist’s style and sound. With the influence of different music genres and inspiration from influential guitarists, guitarists can embrace the technical challenges and evolve their playing to new heights. Whether using open tunings, dropped tunings, or alternate tunings, the guitar becomes a tool for artistic expression and a medium to captivate listeners with its diverse tonal colors. As guitarists continue to challenge conventions and pioneer innovative tuning methods, the future of unconventional tunings holds endless potential for musical exploration and creativity.