Alternate tunings are used to open up new possibilities not found in standard EADGBE guitar tuning.

The simplest alternate tuning is Drop D (DADGBE). Other common tunings include DADGAD, DGDGBD (open G), and CGCGCE (open C.)

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.

Links to alternate tunings lessons