UBCNews - Business - Drop D, Open G & DADGAD: Alternate Guitar Tunings to Try for Pro-Level Sound

Episode Date: November 17, 2025

Have you ever wondered why your guitar sounds the way it does? What if I told you that by simply changing how those strings are tuned, you could unlock an entirely new world of sound? Sam Ash City: Hicksville Address: 278 Duffy Ave Website: https://www.samash.com/

Have you ever wondered why your guitar sounds the way it does? What if I told you that by simply changing how those strings are tuned, you could unlock an entirely new world of sound? Absolutely. You know, it's fascinating how something as simple as adjusting your tuning pegs can completely transform your instrument. I've spent years investigating these sonic possibilities, and it never ceases to amaze me.

What initially drew you to consider using alternate tunings? Well, I was stuck in a creative rut, playing the same old patterns in standard tuning. Then I found out that legends like Jimmy Hendricks, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and B.B. King were all playing in ebb tuning, just a half-step down. That small change made such a huge difference in their sound. That's fascinating. You know, I've noticed that different genres seem to favor certain tunings. Could you talk about how alternate tunings bridge different musical styles? definitely. Take D-A-D-G-A-D tuning, for example. It became hugely popular in folk music because of its modal ethereal quality, but then you have someone like Jimmy Page bringing it into rock with Led Zeppelin's

Kashmir. It's amazing how one tuning can cross those genre boundaries. Mm-hmm. And what about the impact on the actual sound of the guitar? You know, it's really transformative. Dropping into an open tuning like OpenG, Keith Richards' favorite, changes the instrument entirely. The strings vibrate differently, producing beautiful drone notes and chord voicing that would be impossible in standard tuning easily fall right under your fingers.

That's a great point. We'll come back to that in just a moment, but first, a quick word from our sponsor. At Sam Ash Music, we've supported guitarists in venturing into new sonic realms since 1924. If you're interested in trying out alternate tunings or seeking guidance on the appropriate string gauge for drop tuning,

our knowledgeable staff is here to assist. Visit samash.com for all your musical needs, from guitars to accessories, with flexible payment options to make your musical dreams accessible. Thanks for that. You mentioned string gauge. That's actually an important consideration when examining alternate tunings, isn't it?

Oh my gosh, yes. You really have to be careful, especially when you're tuning down, the strings can get too floppy and start buzzing. I learned that lesson the hard way when I first tried drop C tuning with regular light gauge strings. What would you recommend for someone just starting to experiment with alternate tunings? I'd say start with drop D. It's super simple, just lower your sixth string down a whole step. You get this amazing low end that's perfect for rock and metal, and you can play power chords with just one finger. Have you tried at your side?

I have. And speaking of metal, it's interesting how alternate tunings have become such a defining characteristic of certain genres. Right, like drop tunings have become almost mandatory in modern metal, but then you look at folk music and they're using things like CGCFCE, what's known as the Nick Drake tuning. It's like each genre has found its own sonic signature through these different tunings. That makes a ton of sense. What about the creative aspect? How do alternate tuning affects songwriting? They're absolutely transformative for songwriting. You know that feeling when you're stuck playing the same old patterns?

Well, change the tuning, and suddenly your muscle memory doesn't work anymore. You're forced to innovate and try new things, and that's when those happy accidents happen. Those magical moments where you stumble upon something completely new. I can totally relate to that. It's like learning the instrument all over again, isn't it? Exactly. And that's what makes it sense. exciting. Every new tuning is like getting a brand new guitar. You begin unearthing these beautiful

chord voicings that would be physically impossible in standard tuning. Are there any potential pitfalls that players should watch out for? Uh, definitely. The biggest one is string tension. You really need to be careful when tuning up. You can break strings or even damage your guitar's neck if you're not careful. And if you're going to play regularly in lower tunings, you should probably look at using heavier gauge strings. Those are great tips. Any final advice for our listeners who might want to dive into alternate tunings? I'd say start simple.

Perhaps try drop D or tune everything down a half step like Hendricks did. Take notes on what inspires you, what sounds good to your ear, and remember there's no right or wrong. It's about finding your own voice through experimentation. This has been incredibly informative. Listeners interested in learning more or getting equipped for their alternate tuning adventure can visit samash.com. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us today.

Thanks for having me. Everyone should realize that your guitar holds so much more potential than you might think. Simply adjust those tuning pegs to find you.