If you’re a guitarist seeking to expand your musical horizons, learning to play open tuning guitar songs is an excellent way to explore new sounds and techniques.
What Is Open Tuning?
Open tuning refers to tuning the strings of a guitar in such a way that when played without pressing any frets, it produces a full chord.
This tuning method allows musicians to create unique sonic textures and engage with the guitar in fresh ways.
What Are the Common Types of Open Tunings?
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Open G Tuning: D G D G B D
Perfect for blues and folk music, this tuning gives a rich sound. -
Open D Tuning: D A D F# A D
Great for slide guitar, creating a resonant major chord. -
Open C Tuning: C G C G C E
Offers a darker tone and is used in various genres, from rock to traditional folk. -
Open A Tuning: E A E A C# E
Often popular in slide guitar as it allows for easy barre chords. -
Open E Tuning: E B E G# B E
Similar to Open D but a step higher, it’s often used in various rock styles.
How to Tune Your Guitar to Open Tuning?
To enjoy playing open tuning guitar songs, follow these simple steps to re-tune your guitar:
- Choose your open tuning from the list above.
- Use an electronic tuner, tuning app, or a tuning fork to match each string to the desired pitch.
- Play a few open strings to confirm the sound. If it resonates as a chord, you’re good to go!
- Make small adjustments as needed to ensure everything is pitch-perfect.
Tuning can be a lot of fun, and experimenting with different open tunings will enrich your musical repertoire!
Which Songs Can Be Played in Open Tunings?
There’s a treasure trove of open tuning guitar songs that span various genres. Here’s a short list of popular songs in different open tunings:
Open G Songs
- “Midnight Special” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
Open D Songs
- “Sliding Delta” by Charlie Patton
- “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” by Eric Clapton
Open C Songs
- “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell
- “The River” by Bruce Springsteen
Open A Songs
- “In My Time of Dying” by Led Zeppelin
- “Corina, Corina” by Bob Dylan
Open E Songs
- “Death Letter” by Son House
- “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James
How Do I Play in Open Tunings?
Learning to play in open tuning is an exciting journey that includes modification of your standard playing techniques. Here’s how to get started:
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Understand Chord Shapes: In open tuning, chord shapes change since the strings are tuned differently. Each open tuning presents its own set of basic chord shapes.
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Use Slides and Fingerpicking: Open tunings are particularly suited for slide guitar and fingerpicking. Use a slide for a smooth sound or pick your way through intricate fingerstyle arrangements.
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Experiment with Voicings: Open tunings allow guitarists to explore different voicings easily. Try playing around with different finger placements, moving chords around while keeping the strings open.
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Work on Your Timing: As you become comfortable, focus on timing and rhythm. Practice strumming patterns and understand how they fit with the chords you’re playing.
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Incorporate Harmonics: Experiment with natural and artificial harmonics to create unique sounds.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Playing Open Tuning Guitar Songs?
As you embark on your journey of playing open tuning guitar songs, keep these tips in mind:
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Listen and Learn: Listen to recordings of your favorite artists using open tuning. This will help you internalize the sound and feel of the style.
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Warm Up: Don’t forget to warm up your fingers. Open tunings can require unusual finger placements which might take some time to get used to.
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Use a Capo: A capo allows you to change the key of your songs easily without altering your tuning. It expands your musical options in open tunings.
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Bookmark Tab Websites: Many online resources provide tablature for open-tuning songs. Websites like Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr can be invaluable!
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Experiment: Don’t hesitate to create your own riffs and chord progressions. Open tuning encourages exploration.
Where Can I Find Open Tuning Guitar Songs?
To find a wider array of open tuning guitar songs, consider checking out:
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YouTube Tutorials: Search for open tuning song lessons. Many guitarists offer free content to learn from.
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Guitar Tab Websites: Websites like Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr, and Guitar Pro have specific sections dedicated to open tunings.
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Books: Look for books on alternate tunings, which often include transcriptions of popular songs.
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Artist Websites: Many artists provide their tabs and chord progressions on their official websites.
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Online Communities: Forums and social media groups dedicated to guitar playing can be great for finding resources and recommendations.
Conclusion
Mastering open tuning guitar songs provides you with a new artistic toolbox for expression and creativity.
By learning various open tunings, discovering new songs, and incorporating unique playing techniques, you will unlock a musical dimension that can open opportunities in songwriting, performance, and self-expression.
So grab your guitar, choose your favorite open tuning, and start exploring the captivating world of open tuning guitar songs today!