How to Play Open Tuning on the Guitar

Open tuning on the guitar is like discovering a whole new world of sound and creativity. It can breathe fresh air into your playing, offering rich harmonies and new ways to approach songwriting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, open tunings can unlock new musical possibilities that standard tuning might not offer. Let’s take a closer look at how you can dive into open tuning and add some magic to your guitar playing.

Why Open Tuning?

Open tuning is when you tune the strings of your guitar to form a specific chord when played open (without pressing any frets). This means, if you strum the strings, you’ll get a full chord without having to finger any notes. Sounds intriguing, right? This method is a favorite among many musicians for a few reasons:

• Creative Freedom: Open tunings can inspire new chord shapes and progressions, making it easier to write unique songs.
• Slide Guitar: Many slide guitarists prefer open tunings because they allow for full, ringing chords with the slide.
• Rich Sound: The harmonics and overtones in open tuning can provide a fuller, more resonant sound.

Whether you’re into metal, folk, or blues, open tuning can be a powerful tool in your musical arsenal. It’s all about finding the right vibe that matches your style.

Getting Started with Open Tunings

So, how do you get started? First, it’s important to understand that there are many different open tunings to choose from. Some of the most popular include Open D (DADF#AD), Open G (DGDGBD), and Open C (CGCGCE). Each offers a distinct sound and set of possibilities.

Here’s a simple way to start:

• Start with Open D: Tune your guitar to DADF#AD. This tuning is popular for its rich, deep sound and is relatively easy to transition to from standard tuning.
• Get comfortable with the new tuning: Strum all the open strings and let the chord ring out. Feel the difference? Now, try playing some simple melodies using the open strings and a few frets.

This process is similar to learning a new language. At first, it might feel awkward, but with practice, you’ll start to see how these new notes and chords fit together.

Exploring Different Open Tunings

Once you’re comfortable with one tuning, it’s time to explore others. Each open tuning has its own unique flavor and can inspire different musical ideas.

Open G Tuning

Open G tuning is a favorite among blues and rock musicians. To set your guitar to Open G, tune it to DGDGBD. This tuning is particularly useful for slide guitar, as it allows you to play major chords easily with a slide.

Try strumming some chords and experimenting with slides and bends. You might find that certain riffs or licks come more naturally in this tuning.

Open C Tuning

Open C (CGCGCE) offers a lush, resonant sound that’s great for fingerstyle playing. This tuning is popular in folk and progressive music for its ability to create intricate, harmonically rich arrangements.

Experiment with fingerpicking patterns and see how the strings interact in this tuning. The open intervals can create a wide, expansive sound that’s perfect for atmospheric compositions.

Application in Metal and Heavy Genres

Open tunings aren’t just for folk or blues; they can be a game-changer in metal and heavy genres too. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden have used open tunings to create heavy, complex riffs.

For instance, try using Open D or C for creating deep, resonant power chords. This can add a new dimension to your metal riffs, giving them a heavier, more aggressive sound. You can also experiment with using open tunings for lead guitar parts, incorporating bends and slides for a more expressive feel.

One of the notable benefits of open tunings in metal is the ease of playing harmonics and drones. These can add a haunting, ethereal quality to your music, perfect for black or progressive metal.

Chord Shapes and Progressions in Open Tuning

When you first switch to an open tuning, traditional chord shapes might not work as expected. But don’t worry; this is where the fun begins. You’ll discover new chord shapes that are unique to each tuning.

Start by experimenting with simple two- or three-finger shapes. Since the strings are already tuned to a chord, you’ll find that you need fewer fingers to create complex sounds. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

• Power Chords: In Open D, a simple barre across the 5th fret will give you a G chord, and the 7th fret will give you an A chord.
• Minor Chords: Try adding one finger below the barre to change the major sound to a minor sound.

Once you get comfortable, try writing a simple progression using these new chord shapes. You might be surprised at how quickly you come up with something new and exciting.

Using Bricks for Practice

At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons packed with insights from some of the best metal guitarists out there. Whether you’re into djent, metalcore, or any heavy subgenre, learning from pros like Zakk Wylde or Jason Richardson can elevate your open tuning skills.

Our interactive player lets you adjust tempos, making it easy to practice tricky sections at your own pace. Plus, with downloadable tabs, you can follow along accurately. It’s all about making the learning process as seamless and fun as possible.

Embracing Imperfection

One of the beauties of open tuning is its ability to create unique, sometimes unexpected sounds. Embrace this unpredictability! It’s okay if not every chord or note sounds perfect. The raw, open quality is what makes this tuning so special.

Use this to your advantage in songwriting. Sometimes, a bit of dissonance or an odd harmonic can add character to your music. Don’t be afraid to experiment with strange fingerings or unconventional strumming patterns.

Remember, some of the best musical discoveries happen when you least expect them. So, allow yourself to play around and see where your creativity takes you.

Recording and Performing with Open Tunings

Recording with open tunings can add a rich layer to your music. The natural harmonics and resonance of open chords can fill out a track beautifully. Here are a few tips when recording or performing with open tunings:

• Layering: Use open tunings to create layered guitar tracks. The different voicings can add depth and complexity to your recordings.
• Mic Placement: Experiment with mic placement to capture the full spectrum of sound. The resonant qualities of open tunings can be captured beautifully with the right setup.
• Live Performance: When performing live, make sure your guitar is well-tuned and intonated. Open tunings can be more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, so keep an eye on your tuning between songs.

Using open tunings in both recording and live settings can set your music apart, providing a unique sonic signature that captures listeners’ attention.

Challenges and Solutions

Switching to open tunings can present a few challenges, especially if you’re used to standard tuning. Here are some common hurdles and ways to overcome them:

• Fretboard Familiarity: It can be tricky to re-learn the fretboard in a new tuning. Spend time playing scales and simple melodies to familiarize yourself with the new note positions.
• String Tension: Different tunings can alter string tension. Consider using a heavier gauge string if you find the strings too slack, or a lighter gauge if they’re too tight.
• Chord Shapes: As mentioned before, traditional chord shapes might not work. Embrace the new shapes and explore how they fit together.

With practice and patience, these challenges can become opportunities for growth and exploration in your playing.

Final Thoughts

Open tuning on the guitar offers a world of musical possibilities, from creating rich, resonant sounds to inspiring new songwriting ideas. Whether you’re exploring Open D, G, or C, the journey is all about experimentation and creativity. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from top metal guitarists to help you master these techniques and make them your own. Dive into the world of open tunings and let your musical imagination run wild!