Differences In The Alternate Tunings
And The Standard Guitar Tuning

The D, A, D, G, A, D Alternate Tunings are very popular with artistes like Andy McKee, Don Ross and Ebon Coast.

These guitar tunings make it possible to approach guitar music creatively. Alternate tunings make it possible to handle chords and solos that would be impossible to handle with the standard guitar tuning type. The opportunity of having many open strings at one's disposal is very satisfying to the creative guitar player.

The ability of experimenting with different open tunings has its rewards in terms of unusual interesting guitar chord shapes and solos. Playing standard guitar chord shapes and solos on these alternate tunings will produce interesting chord sounds and harmonics. My preference is to always use alternate tunings whenever I have to accompany a singer. I find that in playing open tunings, I get more chordal richness, good bass lines and ultimately, find accompaniment in these open tunings very satisfying.

The notes on the low 6th, 2nd and 1st strings are different. They are tuned a tone down from the standard guitar tuning. Little tricks like doubling the strings give out good tonal colors and the low 6th string D produces a nice droning effect. Experiment playing in different positions along the fret-board and listen to the interesting sounds that are available to you.

Natural harmonics at the 12th, 7th,and 5th frets are easily accessible and sound good when played simultaneously with the chords. The 2nd string which is tuned to the note A, couples well with the 1st string to form intervals of 3rds and 4ths. The 3rd and 2nd strings couple well to form intervals of 2nds and 3rds.

Tuning To D, A, D, G, A, D
Starting on the 6th string tune, it a tone down to low D, go to the 1st string and also tune it down a tone to D. Play the 6th string low D and match it to the 5th string, 5th fret D note which is an octave higher. Play the 5th string, 5th fret D note and match with the 4th string open D note. Play the open D note 4th string and match the 3rd string, 7th fret D note. When in tune, play the 3rd string, 7th fret D note and match the 2nd string, 5th fret D note. Check the open tuning for any unusual beats between the notes. The less beats the more the instrument will be in tune. Play across the strings and check the tuning. Are the notes in pitch? Does it sound right? As you progress with tuning your instrument, the ears become more aware of the pitch and you will be able to discern the pitch correctly.

The Dmaj Scale

Open Tuning DADGAD Scale in D (pdf)

Before you start playing the D major scale, kindly check your D open tuning and then view the chart for instructions. If you are in tune, proceed to the 6th string and play the low D, E, F#, G notes. Go to the 5th string for the A, B, C# notes. Then move to the 4th string for the D and F# notes. Go to the 3rd string for the G note, then down to the 2nd string for the A, B, C# notes. Then down to the 1st string D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D notes. Get familiarized with the notes and its positions. Play the 4th and 1st strings and note how the octave sounds when it is coupled. For more skill development, work out intervals like 3rds 4ths, and 5ths in all positions.

Chords In Alternate Tuning:
Below I have prepared a chart for you to have fun with some nice open sounding chords. Study the diagrams and tabs, and try to figure out and use your own comfortable fingerings. Some of the chords like the Emi11 has the bass note played on the 2nd fret. The GMaj9 has the bass note played on the 5th fret and Gmaj9/B has the bass note in the 7th fret. The Bmi7 is on the 2nd fret, the A7sus4 and the A7 chords are in the open positions. Play through these chord changes and note the airy open sounds.

| DMaj Dmaj7 | D6 DMaj | Emi11 | GMaj9 |

| GMaj9/B | A7sus4 A7 | Bmi7 | A7 |

| Emi11 | Emi11 | GMaj9 | A7 |

| Bmi7 | A7sus4 | Bmi7 | A7 |

| DMaj D6 | GMaj9 | Bmi7 | A7sus4 |

| A7 | Emi11 | Asus4 A7 | DMaj7 |

Alternate Tuning - Chords In D Minor

Open Tuning DADGAD in minor chords (pdf)

| Dmi7 | Gmi9 | BbMaj7 | CMaj9 |

| DmiMaj7 | Dmi6 BbMaj9 | C7 | Dmi7 |

| A7sus4 | Dmi6 | A7sus4 | DmiMaj7 Dmi7 |

| BbMaj7 CMaj9 | Dmi7 | BbMaj9 CMaj9 | Dmi7 |

| BbMaj7 | A7sus4 | Dmi7 DmiMaj7 | Dmi6 |

| Gmi9 | Dmi7 | BbMaj7 CMaj9 | Dmi7 |

Summary Of Alternate Tuning Lesson:
These alternate tunings of D, A, D, G, A, D are best suited for songs in the key of DMaj or D minor. If you need to play in other keys, get a capo and practice using the same chord shapes for the various keys. As the ears get familiarized with this open tuning, you will find very interesting chords, solo lines and accompaniment for your songs.

We will now move forward to the next guitar tuning lesson - Dmaj Open Tuning

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