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Post subject: Don't understand alternate tunings
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:08 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:55 am
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What do alternate tunings do for the guitarist? I just don't understand why, for example, the same musician would play one guitar with "Standard tuning" and another guitar with "DADGAD tuning".

Can you help me understand that?

Thanks.


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:32 pm
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Hobbyist
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Location: New York, NY
I think that you are describing open G tuning. When you play the stings open (no hands) it will play the chord that is on...open G plays a G when you don't use your fingers. What makes it attractive is that you can bar a fret with one finger and it will play a chord, instead of using 3 or 4 fingers you only have to use one. If you use a capo it makes playing a lot easier and more fun. If you are into open G...check out Keith Richards, as he is the king of open G along with Ry Cooder.

It is also particular useful if you play slide, as playing slide in standard tuning is about as cool as herpes.


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:56 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Location: Sydney, Australia
Alternate tunings are a very useful tool. They enable you to get completely different sounds from a guitar, even though you may be playing the exact same chord, due to the way in which the tones of the strings resonate with one another.

Open G "DGDGBD" or just 5 strings (as Keef uses it): GDGBD gives a really unique sound, part of the reason some of those iconic Stones songs are SO distinctive.

Another popular tuning is drop D, which is standard tuning with the 6th string detuned down to D: DADGBE. This gives a great baritone tone when songs are played in the key of D.

Naturally, you have to use different finger shapes for some chords in these tunings, but the tonal effects you can generate are well worth the effort. :wink:


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:00 pm
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Rock Star
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I love DADGAD. Those 3 open D notes ring beautifully when making chords. It's sort of the same effect as a 12 string. One note ringing out from 3 different gauge strings. I use it all the time.

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:17 pm
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Professional Musician
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I'm going to stay out of this one because I really dislike open tunings.

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:31 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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That's a pity, because you are really missing out on some great options for fantastic and unusual sounds. :(


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