Try This Unique Altered Tuning!

I had a songwriting session with the incredibly talented pop songwriter Cathy Dennis a few months ago. Whenever I collaborate with her, I come prepared with some material to get us started on the right foot. I was playing my acoustic guitar on this particular occasion, but I wanted to explore a different sound, so I decided to try Nashville tuning. However, I had fairly new strings on my guitar and couldn't find any 12-string sets. But where there's a will, there's a way... and here's what happened!

😅 Still afraid of retuning your guitar? Don't be. :) Check this out!

To overcome the string shortage, I came up with a creative idea. I took the thinnest three strings from a regular set and used them on the thickest three strings of my guitar. The process went like this:

I took the thinnest E string, typically used for the high E string, and placed it on the thickest string.
I put the B string, normally tuned to B, on the D string and tuned it down to a D.
Finally, the G string was placed on the fifth string, tuned up to an A.

The tuning maintained the same intervals as standard tuning, but the notes were in the 'wrong' octave. The A and D strings were up an octave, and the 'low' E was up two octaves - to the same pitch as String 1.

'Kinda' Nashville Tuning Diagram

To get into this tuning, follow the diagram below:

Why I Love This Tuning

What I find remarkable about this tuning is that the top string, which is now the same as the thinner string, adds a unique quality to the chords. For instance, when playing a D chord, the substitute sound on the top string adds a beautiful depth to the overall sound. Interestingly, the bass notes of the chords become somewhat irrelevant in this tuning. You can choose to play them, but you can also use the thicker strings as open strings, which typically clash in standard tuning. However, in this altered tuning, the chord grips and shapes remain the same as regular chords, allowing you to play all your barre chords and favorite shapes. The difference lies in the sound and the sense of intrigue that permeates every note you play. Everything you strum or pluck becomes more captivating and engaging.

Similarities to Nashville Tuning

This unique tuning resembles Nashville tuning, a technique traditionally used for doubling guitar parts. In the Nashville tuning approach, one guitar player would play in standard tuning while another would track another guitar part using Nashville tuning. The result is a sound that resembles a 12-string guitar but with certain advantages. By panning the two parts hard left and right, using different guitars, or applying various effects on each side, you can create a rich and textured sonic experience. However, what captivates me about this altered tuning is its potential as a creative tool in its own right. It encourages me to think differently, particularly with the open string at the top.

Exploring the Possibilities: Chords and Sounds

The chords I used for the intro of the song I wrote with Cathy were B minor 11, E, A, and F# minor 11. In this particular tuning, I wanted that thinner string to ring open, enhancing the unique sound of the chords. Even strumming the open strings by themselves creates a cool and vibey atmosphere. It goes beyond the conventional!

💡 As a songwriter, I must explore sounds I'm not used to. I deeply appreciate altered tunings and those that leave me wondering what's going on!

This tuning strikes a perfect balance because the chord shapes remain the same. You don't need to learn new shapes; instead, you can experiment by lifting your fingers off, letting open strings ring out, trying out fancy chords, and exploring whatever catches your interest. Everything you do with this tuning will sound incredibly interesting and inspire you to discover new musical territories.

Embrace the Adventure: Try Nashville Tuning

If you're looking to infuse your guitar playing with a fresh and captivating sound, Nashville tuning is something I highly recommend exploring and this unique tuning I've shared with you already has a name since I'm surely not the first person to experiment with it. For sure, many other guitar players have gone to Nashville and used their strings in a similar way. :)

However, try this tuning as a second guitar part when recording or tracking. If you've already played one part on an acoustic guitar, grab another guitar tuned to this altered tuning and attempt to play the same part simultaneously. The slight variations and differences you'll naturally introduce create a captivating chorusing effect, especially when combined with the octave changes.

📸 Will you try this out? Don't forget to tag me on social media so I can listen to your creation. I'm genuinely excited to see what you come up with! :)

I hope you found this exploration of altered Nashville tuning enlightening and inspiring. The ability to step outside our comfort zones and create sounds that intrigue us is a vital aspect of musical growth. This unique tuning offers a wonderful blend of familiarity and novelty, empowering you to experiment and let your creativity run wild. Whether you're an experienced guitarist or just starting your musical journey, I encourage you to embrace the adventure and try Nashville tuning for yourself. Who knows, it may become an indispensable tool in your musical arsenal.

So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let the magic unfold! And before we part ways, don't forget to check out the accompanying video, where I demonstrate this tuning in action. Happy playing!

👉 Have questions about this lesson? Join the discussion and let me know!