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Did you know that if you tried to play the “Rain Song” by Led Zeppelin on your guitar using the same tabs as Jimmy Page, you wouldn’t be able to play it? That’s because Page uses a Gsus4 tuning to achieve the ethereal sound of this song. On top of that, this song employs chord shapes that are simply impossible to replicate with a standard tuning of EADGBE.
Check out the most accurate classical guitar tuners here.
The great thing about alternate tuning is that it opens up interesting sounds for classical guitarists that are otherwise inaccessible. For example, a simple lowering of the 3rd G string to F sharp will allow you to easily play early Renaissance compositions.
Learn more about classical guitar techniques in this blog.
In this article, I’m going to discuss some classical guitar tunings. These tunings are simple yet effective. Let’s get started.
The Standard Tuning
Standard tuning is the one true tuning universally accepted by all musicians. Standard tuning, also known as EADGBE tuning, is the most commonly used tuning for the guitar. In standard tuning, the strings are tuned to form a series of consecutive fourths and one major third. If you play the E string 5th fret, it will play the A note, the corresponding next string.
The 6th string is the low E, the 5th string is the A string, the 4th string is the D string, the 3rd string is the G string, the 2nd String is the B string, and the last is the 1st string, the high E string.
The standard tuning offers a rich harmonic palette. Combining open strings and fretted notes allows for creating chords with different inversions, extensions, and voicings. This flexibility enables classical guitarists to explore various harmonic progressions, modulations, and counterpoint techniques in their compositions and arrangements.
Learn more about guitar harmonics just by clicking here.
Standard tuning is a solid foundation for classical guitar repertoire, as it is versatile, accessible, and suitable for a wide range of music. Many tuning methods, techniques, and exercises have been developed for it, and mastering it allows guitarists to explore the vast repertoire and develop skills to interpret the music. Fundamental tuning enables guitarists to explore and excel in classical guitar performance and technique.
Alternative Tuning
Alternative tunings, also known as open tunings or non-standard tunings, are adjustments made to a musical instrument’s standard tuning, such as a guitar, to achieve different pitches and chord structures.
In standard tuning, the strings of an instrument are tuned to specific pitches, such as EADGBE for a six-string guitar. Alternative tunings involve changing the pitch of one or more strings to create new tonal possibilities, harmonies, and playing techniques.
Open Tuning
Open tunings are those in which the guitar’s open strings are tuned to a chord. This creates a rich, resonant sound often used for folk, Celtic, and bluegrass music. Some popular open tunings include:
The DADGAD Tuning
Do you know what Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” or Gaspar Sanz’s “Españoleta” all have in common? They’re complex pieces specifically written for the piano but can be easily played on a classical guitar using the DADGAD tuning.
In fact, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Vivaldi’s classical pieces are well suited for the classical guitar when tuned to the DADGAD tuning.
DADGAD tuning is an alternate tuning commonly used in fingerstyle guitar playing. In this tuning, the guitar’s six strings are tuned from the lowest to highest-pitched string, resulting in D-A-D-G-A-D.
One advantage of DADGAD tuning is that it allows you to reach various chord voicings, particularly for chords with open strings. For example, a simple D chord in standard tuning requires three fingers to fret the notes on the second, third, and fourth strings, while in DADGAD tuning, the same chord can be played with just one finger on the second string. This frees up your other fingers for melody notes or other chords.
Another advantage of DADGAD tuning is that it lends itself well to modal playing. Due to the open strings and the perfect fourth tuning, it is easy to play chords and scales in various modes such as D Mixolydian, G Mixolydian, A Dorian, and E Aeolian. This allows you to play interesting and exotic chord progressions and melodies that may be impossible or as easy to achieve in standard tuning.
Overall, DADGAD is an excellent classical guitar tuning and probably the most useful on this list for classical guitarists.
Open D Tuning
Have you heard George Ezra’s beautiful composition “Barcelona”? If you have, it might interest you to know that it was created with an open D tuning. This song can sound exquisite on a classical guitar, and open D tuning is, in my opinion, one of the most commonly used classical guitar tunings.
The guitar is tuned to a D major chord in this tuning, resulting in the following tuning from low to high: D-A-D-F#-A-D. Use a guitar tuner to tune your nylon strings accurately.
Open D tuning creates a rich, open sound that is well-suited to slide guitar playing but can also be used in classical guitar playing to create unique chord voicings and harmonies. The tuning allows you to play a D major chord by strumming all of the open strings, creating a drone-like effect characteristic of many traditional folk and blues pieces.
Open D tuning can also create new chord voicings and harmonies in classical guitar pieces. For example, Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” can be played in open D tuning to create a unique, jazzy sound that emphasizes the tuning’s open strings and drone-like effect.
Open G Tuning
If you have even the slightest interest in or knowledge of classical music, you’ll have come across the piece “Asturias (Leyenda)” by Isaac Albéniz. You didn’t know that most guitarists use open G tuning to create a unique, Spanish-style sound emphasizing the open guitar strings and the drone-like effect.
What is open G tuning? And why is it so popular among classical guitarists?
Open G tuning is a method popular in blues, folk, and rock music. It can also be used as a classical guitar tuning to create new chord voicings and harmonies. Like open D tuning, it creates a drone-like effect characteristic of many traditional folk and blues pieces.
To tune your G major chord, you need to tune it from low to high. The series is like this:
D-G-D-G-B-D.
You can employ Open G tuning in many ways. For example, you can use it to play traditional folk and blues pieces, such as “Rollin’ and Tumblin'” or “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” which make use of the open, droning sound of the tuning.
Dropped
Dropped tunings are those in which one or more guitar strings are lowered in pitch. This creates a heavier sound and makes playing certain chords and melodies easier. Some popular dropped tunings include:
Drop D Tuning
Drop D can be the starting point of classical guitar tuning for anyone, especially if you’ve started tweaking the tuning of your guitar. In this tuning, the low E string is tuned down one step to D, while the other strings stay in standard tuning.
This results in the following tuning, from low to high: D-A-D-G-B-E.
By lowering the low E string to D, the guitarist can create a lower pitch that can add a fuller sound to their playing. Additionally, it allows you to play power chords with just one finger by barring the lowest three strings. This can make playing certain pieces of music more manageable and allow for different chord voicings and bass lines that aren’t possible in standard tuning.
One example of a piece that can be played in Drop D tuning is “Koyunbaba” by Carlo Domeniconi. This popular classical guitar piece is commonly played in standard tuning but can also be played in drop-D tuning. Using this tuning, you can create a fuller, richer sound that emphasizes the low bass notes of the piece.
Another classic example of a piece that employs Drop D tuning is “Blackbird” by The Beatles. While this is not a classical guitar piece, it demonstrates how this tuning can create unique chord voicings and melodies. By tuning the guitar to Drop D, you can make a unique fingerstyle arrangement that puts more emphasis on the lower notes.
Want to learn more about guitar fingerstyle? Check out our article about guitar fingerstyle.
Double Drop D Tuning
If you have even the slightest interest in or knowledge of metal and complex rock music, you’ll have come across the piece “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin. What you didn’t know is that most guitarists use double drop D tuning to create a heavy, powerful sound that emphasizes the low notes of the guitar.
What is Double drop D tuning?
Double Drop D tuning, also known as “DADGBD” tuning, is another popular alternate tuning used by guitarists. It involves lowering the pitch of both the low E and high E strings to D, creating a unique and versatile tuning for the guitar. Acoustic and electric guitarists often favor this tuning for various musical styles, much like Open G tuning, but with a different sonic character.
Tuning your guitar to Double Drop D is relatively simple. You’ll need to adjust the pitch of the low E and high E strings to match a D note. Before making any adjustments, ensure your guitar is in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E).
To tune the low E string to D, first play the open D string (the 4th string) and the 6th (low E) string simultaneously. Gradually turn the tuning peg of the low E string (the 6th string) while plucking both strings. Keep adjusting until the low E string (6th string) matches the pitch of the open D string (4th string). You can use an electronic tuner to help you get the correct pitch.
To tune the high E string to D, play the open D and 1st strings simultaneously. Gradually turn the tuning peg of the high E string while plucking both strings. Keep adjusting until the high E string matches the pitch of the open D string. Again, you can use a tuner to achieve the correct pitch.
Standard Classical Guitar Tuning Methods
Tuning a classical guitar is essential to producing the correct pitches for each string. Here are the standard methods for tuning a classical guitar.
Using a Piano or Keyboard
If you have access to a piano, you can use it to tune your classical guitar. To do this, simply play the corresponding note on the piano and then adjust the tuning peg of the guitar string until the two notes sound the same.
String-to-string method
The string-to-string method is a simple and effective way to tune your guitar. To use this method, start by tuning the highest string (the E string). Once the E string is in tune, you can tune the other strings by playing the same note on the lower string and the fifth fret of the higher string.
For example, to tune the A string, you would play the A note on the E string and then the fifth fret of the A string. If the A tune is in tune, the two notes will sound in tune. You must adjust A string’s tuning peg if the two notes do not sound in tune.
You can continue using this method to tune the rest of the strings on your guitar.
Using a tuning fork
A tuning fork is a simple and inexpensive device that can be used to tune your classical guitar. Simply strike the tuning fork against a hard surface to use a tuning fork, and then hold it near the ear of the guitar. You can use the reference pitch to tune the guitar strings that the tuning fork produces.
Relative Tuning
Another way to tune your classical guitar is to tune all strings to a single reference string. This can be done using a tuner or by ear.
To tune all of the strings to a single reference string using a tuner, simply select the reference pitch on the tuner and then adjust the tuning pegs of all the strings until they are all in tune with the reference pitch.
To tune all the strings to a single reference string by ear, tune the highest string (the E string) to the reference pitch. Once the E string is tuned, you can tune the other strings by playing the same note on the E string and the corresponding fret on the lower string.
For example, to tune the A string, you would play the A note on the E string and then the fifth fret of the A string. If the two notes sound in tune, then the A string is in tune. You need to move the tuning peg on the A string until the two strings sound identical if the notes don’t sound in tune.
You can continue using this method to tune the rest of the strings on your guitar.
Which tuning method you choose will depend on your preference and experience level. If you are a beginner, starting with a tuner is recommended. Once you have better understood how to tune a guitar, you can try tuning by ear.
How to Tune Your Guitar by Ear
You can tune a guitar “by ear” if you don’t use any outside tools or gadgets, like electric tuners. Instead, you use your ears to ensure the strings are tuned correctly.
Here’s how to tune your guitar by ear, step by step:
Recognize Standard Tuning
Most guitars are tuned to standard tuning, which goes from thickest (lowest) string to thinnest (highest), which is E-A-D-G-B-E.
Use a Reference Pitch
To begin, you will require a reference pitch. This can be derived from another tuned instrument, a tuning fork, or an internet reference pitch (an online tuner).
Tune the low E string (6th string) as follows
Play the reference pitch and the thickest low E string together. Turn the tuning peg to adjust the tension of the low E string until the two notes sound identical. Tighten the string if the E string is too low. Loosen it if it’s too tight. When they are out of tune, you will hear a “wah-wah” effect, which will disappear when they are in tune.
Tune the A String (5th String)
Pluck the A string while fretting the 5th fret on the low E string. Adjust the tension of the A string until it sounds like the note generated when you push the 5th fret on the low E string. The A string is in tune when the two tones are identical.
Tune the D String (4th String)
Fret the A string at the 5th fret and pluck the D string. Adjust the tension of the D string to match the sound generated when you push the 5th fret on the A string.
Tune the G String (3rd String)
Fret the D string at the 5th fret and pluck the G string. Adjust the tension of the G string to match the tone generated by pressing the 5th fret on the D string.
Tune the B String (2nd String)
Fret the G string at the 4th fret, and pluck the B string. Adjust the tension of the B string to match the tone generated by pressing the 4th fret on the G string.
Tune the High E String (1st String)
Pluck the high E string while fretting the 5th fret on the B string. Adjust the tension of the high E string to match the tone generated by pressing the 5th fret on the B string.
Double-check
It’s a good idea to Double-check each guitar string to ensure they’re still in tune. Guitar strings can interact with one another. Therefore, tuning one may have a minor effect on the others.
Tuning by ear might be difficult for beginners, but with practice, your ear will get more attuned to pitch, and you’ll become better at tuning your guitar precisely.
If your guitar is going out of tuning, check out these solutions.
How to Tune Your Guitar Digitally?
Tuning your guitar digitally means using a digital tuner to tune the strings to the correct pitch. Digital tuners are electronic devices that detect the pitch of a note and display it on a screen. They are much more accurate than tuning by ear, and they are also much easier to use.
Many different types of digital tuners are available, including clip-on tuners, pedal tuners, and phone apps. Clip-on tuners are the most common type of digital tuner. To tune your guitar digitally, you can use various electronic methods or software for precise tuning:
Electronic Tuner
Get a digital guitar tuner or use a tuner app on your smartphone. Select standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), and play each string. The tuner will show if the string is in tune or needs adjustment. To fine-tune the string use the tuning peg based on the tuner’s feedback.
Guitar Tuner App
Download a guitar tuner app from your device’s app store, select standard tuning, and play each string. The app analyzes the pitch and indicates whether the string is in tune. Adjust the string’s tension according to the app’s guidance.
Online Tuner
Visit a reputable online guitar tuner website that allows you to access your device’s microphone. Play each string, and the website will provide visual feedback on the string’s tuning. Adjust as needed following on-screen instructions.
Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
If you’re recording your guitar on a computer using DAW software, use the built-in tuning tools or select a guitar tuning plugin. You can also monitor and adjust your guitar’s tuning while playing through your computer.
Pitch Detection Software
When connected to a computer or digital recording device, utilize pitch detection software or plugins. Play each string, and the software will analyze the pitch, offering visual feedback for tuning adjustments.
Clip-On Tuner
Consider using a clip-on tuner that attaches to your guitar’s headstock. It typically features an easy-to-read display and works well in various lighting conditions.
Virtual Tuning Fork
Some smartphone apps and online tools simulate a tuning fork sound, which you can use as a reference pitch to manually tune your guitar.
Ensure you pay close attention to the visual or auditory feedback these digital tools provide to achieve accurate guitar tuning. Digital tuners are highly precise and can simplify the tuning process, making it accessible, especially for beginners.
Classical Guitar Tuning FAQs
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