1. Standard Tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E)
Most common tuning for guitar.
Strings from lowest to highest: E, A, D, G, B, E.
2. Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Low E string tuned down to D.
Useful for heavy rock and metal.
3. DADGAD Tuning (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Popular in folk and Celtic music.
Strings create a droning sound.
4. Open G Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Common in blues and slide guitar.
Forms a G major chord when strummed open.
5. Open D Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Used in slide guitar and folk music.
Forms a D major chord when strummed open.
6. Open E Tuning (E-B-E-G#-B-E)
Similar to Open D but a whole step higher.
Forms an E major chord when strummed open.
7. Half-Step Down Tuning (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
Each string is tuned down one half step.
Used by many rock and blues players for a slightly lower pitch.
8. Double Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-D)
Both E strings are tuned down to D.
Used for rich, full sound and alternative chord voicings.
9. Drop C Tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Used in metal for heavy, low riffs.
Essentially Drop D tuned down a whole step.
10. Nashville Tuning
Uses lighter gauge strings, tuned an octave higher for certain strings.
Creates a shimmering, 12-string guitar effect.
Summary Chart
| Tuning | Notes | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | E-A-D-G-B-E | Most genres |
| Drop D | D-A-D-G-B-E | Rock, metal |
| DADGAD | D-A-D-G-A-D | Folk, Celtic |
| Open G | D-G-D-G-B-D | Blues, slide guitar |
| Open D | D-A-D-F#-A-D | Slide guitar, folk |
| Open E | E-B-E-G#-B-E | Slide guitar |
| Half-Step Down | Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb | Rock, blues |
| Double Drop D | D-A-D-G-B-D | Rich, full sound |
| Drop C | C-G-C-F-A-D | Metal |
| Nashville | E-A-D-G-B-E (higher) | Country, studio recording |
| Open C | C-G-C-G-C-E | Progressive, folk |
| Open A | E-A-C#-E-A-E | Blues, slide guitar |
| Open B | B-F#-B-F#-B-D# | Slide guitar |
| Open F | C-F-C-F-A-C | Slide guitar, folk |
| Open C Minor | C-G-C-G-C-Eb | Folk, experimental |
| Open G Minor | D-G-D-G-Bb-D | Blues, folk |
| Open D Minor | D-A-D-F-A-D | Slide guitar, folk |
| Open E Minor | E-B-E-G-B-E | Slide guitar |
| Open A Minor | E-A-E-A-C-E | Blues, folk |
| Drop B | B-F#-B-E-G#-C# | Metal, heavy rock |
| Drop A | A-E-A-D-F#-B | Metal, heavy rock |
| Double Drop C | C-G-C-F-A-C | Metal, experimental |
| Double Drop B | B-F#-B-E-A-C# | Metal, experimental |
| All Fourths | E-A-D-G-C-F | Jazz, theory practice |
| Major Thirds | E-G#-C-E-G#-C | Theory practice, experimental |
| Minor Thirds | E-G-Bb-D-F#-A | Theory practice, experimental |