What Are the Most Popular Guitar Tunings?

Standard tuning isn’t the only way to play guitar.

Most guitarists start with standard tuning. As the name suggests, it’s the default for almost everyone, and it’s how nearly every guitar is set up at the factory. But here’s the thing: there’s nothing stopping you from changing even a single note. A tiny twist of the tuning peg, dropping one string by a half step, can suddenly make your guitar feel like a new instrument.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most popular guitar tunings and why they might just unlock a new level of creativity in your playing.

What is Guitar Tuning?

Guitar tuning is simply the act of adjusting the tension of your strings to hit specific pitches. Each of the six strings can be tuned to any of the twelve notes in Western music - from A to G#. Tightening the string raises the pitch; loosening it lowers the pitch.

A word of caution: cranking a string above standard tuning can quickly lead to a snapped string, especially with lighter gauges.

The tuning we now think of as “standard” has been used for hundreds of years. It wasn’t just picked randomly, the intervals between the strings were chosen because they make chords, scales, and melodies fall easily under the fingers (except maybe F major, which remains every beginner’s nemesis).

But for as long as standard tuning has existed, guitarists have been tinkering. Alternative tunings aren’t new, they’ve been part of folk, blues, and experimental music for generations. Let’s dive into the most popular ones you’ll come across.

Standard Tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E)

Standard tuning is the baseline for almost every guitarist. Set your guitar to E-A-D-G-B-E and you’ll be able to play the vast majority of popular songs, follow along with lessons, and jam with other musicians without any surprises.

Most scales and chord shapes are built around standard tuning. And if you hand your guitar to a friend and it’s not in standard, odds are they’ll strum a chord, frown, and either retune it or hand it back.

Drop D Tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E)

The second most popular tuning and one of the easiest to try. All you do is take your low E string (the thick one) and tune it down one whole step to D. That’s it.

Why do this? Because it instantly gives you a darker, heavier sound and unlocks effortless power chords — you can now bar the bottom three strings with a single finger. Drop D became a staple of ‘90s grunge and metal for this reason, but it’s just as useful in modern rock and even folk for its rich low end.

Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)

Half step down is exactly what it sounds like: tune every string one half step lower. This drops the pitch slightly, giving your guitar a warmer tone and making bends just a bit easier.

It’s also a favorite of singers. Many bands tune this way because it shifts every chord down half a step, helping vocalists hit those higher notes without straining. Once you get the concept, you can apply the idea up or down the scale. Shifting all strings by the same interval keeps chord shapes the same but changes the key entirely.

Keep in mind: lower tunings mean less tension, so your strings will feel looser.

DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)

If Drop D is like dipping your toes into alternate tunings, DADGAD is your first big leap. It’s especially beloved by acoustic players and fingerstyle guitarists for its open, droning quality.

In DADGAD, you tune the 6th, 2nd, and 1st strings down so that strumming all six strings produces a modal, almost mystical chord. You’ve heard it in Celtic music, folk songs, and even rock classics.

Open Tunings (Open G, Open D, etc.)

Open tunings deserve their own category because they do something magical: when you strum all the strings without touching the fretboard, you get a full chord. For example:

• Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)

• Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)

These tunings are perfect for slide playing and for writing songs that feel bigger and more resonant right out of the gate.

Other Notable Tunings

There are hundreds of tunings out there, but here are a few you’ll see mentioned often:

• Drop C – One step lower than Drop D (C-G-C-F-A-D). A go-to for heavy metal and hardcore.

• C Standard – Every string tuned two steps down (C-F-A#-D#-G-C). Big, sludgy tone for doom or stoner rock.

• Nashville Tuning – A studio trick where you string your E, A, D, and G strings with lighter gauges and tune them an octave higher. This provides a brighter sound that can offer a unique texture to a song.

How to Choose the Right Tuning for You

Trying a new tuning doesn’t have to be intimidating — it’s one of the easiest ways to break out of a creative rut.

• Think about genre: Drop D for heavy riffs, Open D for blues, DADGAD for folk, etc.

• Think about your voice: If you sing, try half step down or even a full step to see if songs sit more comfortably.

• Think about your strings: Lower tunings often need heavier gauges to keep the guitar feeling solid.

Experiment. Play around. You might find one tuning that feels like “home,” or you might bounce between several depending on the song. The best way to find your voice as a guitarist is to explore them all.