How to Tune Guitar Strings to Different Notes

Tuning your guitar strings to different notes can revolutionize the way you play, especially if you’re diving into the thrilling world of metal guitar. From drop tunings to alternate tunings, the right setup can make your riffs heavier and your solos more expressive. Let’s walk through how you can experiment with tuning your guitar strings to a variety of notes and unlock new dimensions of sound.

Standard Tuning: The Starting Point

Before we explore alternative tunings, it’s vital to have a firm grasp on standard tuning. Standard tuning for a six-string guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e, from the thickest string to the thinnest. This setup is the foundation for most guitar music and provides a balanced starting point for beginners and seasoned players alike.

To tune your guitar to standard tuning, you can use a digital tuner or a tuning app on your phone. These tools detect the pitch of each string and guide you to the correct note. If you prefer a more traditional method, you can tune by ear using a reference note, such as a piano or another guitar already in tune.

• Start with the E string (the thickest one) and tune it until it matches the reference note.
• Next, press down on the fifth fret of the E string to find the pitch for the A string, and adjust accordingly.
• Follow this pattern down the neck: A string fifth fret for D, D string fifth fret for G, G string fourth fret for B, and B string fifth fret for e.

Once you’re comfortable with standard tuning, you’re ready to explore the creative possibilities of alternate tunings.

Drop D Tuning: A Gateway to Heavier Riffs

Drop D tuning is a favorite among rock and metal guitarists for its ability to instantly thicken your sound. By lowering the low E string down to D, you open up new possibilities for power chords and riffing.

Here’s how to get your guitar into Drop D:

• Start in standard tuning.
• Lower the low E string to D. You can use your D string as a reference note for this.
• Check that your other strings (A, D, G, B, e) remain in standard tuning.

With Drop D, you can play power chords with a single finger, making it easier to switch quickly between chords. This tuning is prevalent in bands like Foo Fighters and Rage Against the Machine, offering a punchy, aggressive sound perfect for heavy riffs.

When you’re ready to explore more complex metal techniques, consider checking out lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists at Riffhard. Our instructors can help you master Drop D tuning and beyond, with lessons tailored to your style and skill level.

Exploring Open Tunings

Open tunings are another avenue to explore when you’re looking to expand your musical landscape. These tunings allow you to play full chords without fretting any notes, which can be incredibly liberating and inspiring for songwriting.

One popular open tuning is Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D), often used in blues and slide guitar. Here’s how to tune your guitar to Open G:

• Lower your low E string to D.
• Lower your A string to G.
• Leave the D, G, and B strings as they are in standard tuning.
• Lower your high e string to D.

Open tunings encourage creative chord voicings and make it easier to experiment with slide guitar techniques. While they might not be as common in metal, they can add a unique flavor to your compositions.

Drop C Tuning: Taking It Down a Notch

For those who want to go even lower than Drop D, Drop C tuning is a fantastic option. This tuning is especially popular in metalcore and death metal, providing a deep, thunderous sound.

To achieve Drop C tuning, follow these steps:

• Start with your guitar in Drop D tuning.
• Lower each string by one whole step: D to C, A to G, D to C, G to F, B to A, and e to d.

Drop C tuning allows for heavier riffs and easier access to low notes. Bands like Bullet for My Valentine and Killswitch Engage use this tuning to great effect, creating powerful, driving music that resonates with the intensity of their style.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that dive deep into the nuances of Drop C tuning, taught by some of the best metal guitarists in the world. Whether you’re crafting heavy riffs or exploring new sonic territories, we’ve got the resources to help you push your playing to new heights.

Half-Step Down Tuning: Subtle Yet Effective

Sometimes, a subtle change can make a significant difference. Tuning your guitar a half-step down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-eb) can make your sound a bit darker and more resonant, without the drastic change of a full step down.

Here’s how to tune your guitar a half-step down:

• Start in standard tuning.
• Lower each string by a half-step: E to Eb, A to Ab, D to Db, G to Gb, B to Bb, e to eb.

This tuning is favored by many classic rock and metal bands, including Guns N’ Roses and Van Halen. It makes bending notes easier and can add a unique flavor to your playing without requiring a complete retuning of your guitar.

Exploring Alternate Tunings in Metal

While standard, drop, and open tunings cover a lot of ground, the world of alternate tunings is vast and varied. In metal, alternate tunings can offer new ways to approach songwriting and performance.

One such tuning is DADGAD, often associated with Celtic music but also used in metal for its rich, modal sound. To tune your guitar to DADGAD, adjust your strings as follows:

• Lower your E string to D.
• Keep your A string as is.
• Lower your D string to G.
• Keep your G string as is.
• Lower your B string to A.
• Lower your e string to D.

This tuning can provide a fresh perspective on melody and harmony, and it’s a favorite of bands like Led Zeppelin and Opeth for its haunting, resonant sound.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that guide you through the intricacies of alternate tunings in metal, helping you discover new ways to craft your sound and express your musical vision.

Experimenting with Extended Range Guitars

Extended range guitars, such as seven or eight-string guitars, offer even more opportunities for unique tunings. These instruments are loved by progressive and djent guitarists for their ability to reach lower notes and explore complex chord voicings.

A common tuning for seven-string guitars is B-E-A-D-G-B-e, where the added string is tuned to B. This tuning allows you to play traditional six-string parts while adding a lower dimension for heavier riffs.

For eight-string guitars, F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-e is a popular choice, expanding your range even further. These tunings can be intimidating at first, but with practice, they offer unparalleled versatility and creativity.

The Importance of Proper Setup

When experimenting with different tunings, it’s crucial to ensure your guitar is properly set up. Changing tunings can affect your instrument’s intonation and playability, so regular maintenance is key.

If you frequently switch between tunings, consider getting your guitar professionally set up for each tuning you use regularly. This might involve adjusting the truss rod, bridge height, and nut slots to accommodate different string tensions.

A well-maintained guitar will stay in tune better and be more enjoyable to play, allowing you to focus on the music rather than technical issues.

Final Thoughts

Tuning your guitar strings to different notes opens up a world of musical possibilities. From Drop D to complex alternate tunings, each setup offers its unique sound and style. Remember, experimenting with different tunings is part of the creative process, and there’s no right or wrong way to explore. At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons from the best metal guitarists around. Embrace the exploration and find the sound that resonates with you.