Alternate tunings are used to open up new possibilities not found in standard EADGBE guitar tuning.
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The simplest alternate tuning is Drop D (DADGBE). Other common tunings include DADGAD, DGDGBD (open G), and CGCGCE (open C.)
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Open D, E, and G tunings are common in slide guitar playing. Duane Allman, Derek Trucks, and Bonnie Raitt all use open tunings for slide, and Keith Richards frequently plays in open G tuning.
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Links to alternate tunings lessons