Guitar Tunings Library
Browse 43+ tuning presets for guitar, bass, and ukulele. From standard E-A-D-G-B-E to exotic open tunings, find the perfect setup for your playing style.
What are guitar tunings?
A guitar tuning defines the pitch of each open string. Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) works for most music, but alternate tunings unlock sounds and chord shapes that standard tuning can't reach. Drop tunings make power chords easier. Open tunings let you play full chords by barring one finger across all strings. Experimental tunings push into unique harmonic territory.
This library organizes tunings into five categories: Standard (the default), Drop (lower bass strings), Downtuned (all strings lowered), Open (strings form a chord), and Experimental (unconventional setups). Each tuning includes a free online tuner preset so you can tune up and start playing.
Browse by Instrument
Standard Tunings
The most common tuning for each instrument. Perfect for beginners and versatile for all styles.
Drop Tunings
Lower the 6th string for easier power chords and heavier sounds. Popular in rock and metal.
Bass Drop D
BassBass Drop C# (C# G# C# F#)
BassBass Drop C (C G C F)
BassBass 5-String Drop D (B D A D G)
BassDrop D
GuitarDouble Drop D (D A D G B D)
GuitarDrop C# (C# G# C# F# A# D#)
GuitarDrop C (C G C F A D)
GuitarDrop B (B F# B E G# C#)
GuitarDrop A (A E A D F# B)
GuitarDowntuned Tunings
Lower all strings for a darker tone and heavier feel. Common in rock, metal, and singer-songwriter keys.
Bass Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb)
BassBass Whole Step Down (D G C F)
BassBass C Standard (C F Bb Eb)
BassHalf Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb)
GuitarWhole Step Down (D G C F A D)
GuitarUkulele Low G (G C E A)
UkuleleOpen Tunings
Tune strings to form a chord when played open. Great for slide guitar and fingerstyle.
DADGAD
GuitarOpen G
GuitarOpen G Minor (D G D G Bb D)
GuitarOpen D (D A D F# A D)
GuitarOpen D Minor (D A D F A D)
GuitarOpen E (E B E G# B E)
GuitarOpen E Minor (E B E G B E)
GuitarOpen A (E A E A C# E)
GuitarOpen C (C G C G C E)
GuitarOpen F (C F C F A C)
GuitarOpen B (B F# B F# B D#)
GuitarUkulele D Tuning (A D F# B)
UkuleleUkulele Open C (G C E G)
UkuleleUkulele Open D (A D F# A)
UkuleleUkulele Open G (G B D G)
UkuleleUkulele Open A (A C# E A)
UkuleleExperimental Tunings
Push boundaries with unconventional tunings for unique sonic possibilities.
Bass BEAD (B E A D)
BassTenor Bass (A D G C)
BassNashville (High Strung)
GuitarNew Standard (C G D A E G)
GuitarAll Fourths (E A D G C F)
GuitarMajor Thirds (E G# C E G# C)
GuitarBaritone Ukulele (D G B E)
UkuleleHow to choose a tuning
Match your tuning to your playing style and goals
Start with standard
Master standard tuning first. Most chord charts, tabs, and lessons assume E-A-D-G-B-E. Build your foundation here before exploring alternatives.
Drop D for heavier sounds
Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E) is the easiest alternate tuning. Lower your 6th string one whole step for instant one-finger power chords. Popular in rock and metal.
Open tunings for slide & fingerstyle
Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D) and Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D) let you play chords with a single barre. Essential for slide guitar and fingerpicking.
DADGAD for Celtic & folk
DADGAD creates a suspended, drone-like sound perfect for Celtic music, folk, and atmospheric compositions. Neither major nor minor.
Consider string tension
Lower tunings reduce string tension. For Drop C or lower, consider heavier gauge strings (.011-.052 or higher) to maintain playability and tone.
Match your genre
Blues players favor Open E/G. Metal guitarists use Drop C/B. Singer-songwriters explore DADGAD and Open D. Let the music guide your choice.
Standard vs drop vs open tunings
Standard tunings
- Works with all chord charts and tabs
- Familiar fingering patterns
- Balanced string tension
- Best for: All styles, beginners, versatility
Drop tunings
- One-finger power chords
- Heavier, aggressive sound
- Extended low range
- Best for: Rock, metal, grunge, punk
Open tunings
- Full chord from open strings
- Easy barre chord shapes
- Rich sympathetic resonance
- Best for: Blues, slide, folk, fingerstyle
Frequently asked questions
Can I use alternate tunings on any guitar?
Yes, but lower tunings may need heavier strings or a setup adjustment. If you tune down more than a whole step regularly, consider a dedicated guitar with thicker strings and adjusted intonation.
Will alternate tunings damage my guitar?
No. Occasional tuning changes are fine for any guitar. Frequent, extreme changes (like going from standard to Drop A daily) can affect neck relief over time. For heavy alternate tuning use, get a setup.
How do I tune to an alternate tuning?
Use our free online tuner. Select the tuning you want, click "Start Listening," and tune each string until the needle centers and shows green. Start from standard tuning for the easiest transition.
Which tuning should I learn first?
Start with standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Once comfortable, try Drop D (just one string to change). Then explore Open G or DADGAD based on your musical interests.
Do I need a special tuner for alternate tunings?
No. A chromatic tuner (like ours) works for any tuning. It detects the pitch you play and shows how close you are to any target note, regardless of the tuning system.
Can I use these tunings on bass and ukulele?
Yes! This library includes tunings for guitar, bass, and ukulele. Filter by instrument above or browse the instrument-specific pages for dedicated presets.
Ready to tune?
Pick any tuning from the library above, then open our free online tuner to get in tune fast. No download, no signup required.