Tunings

[disasterpiece]

Hello people.

I come into this post with the knowledge that by the time you finish reading my inquiry, you're gonna hate the fact that I have the guts to pick up an instrument that is . . .well, awesome.
What are the purpose for alternate tunings? The only one I think I'm clear on is Drop-D, which looks like it was created for easier access to three note power chords. But I don't know why this is used. Power chords are the easiest thing in the world to play clearly. Cosidering I have no speed, and would therefore not know what I'm talking about, maybe itz so artists can play faster?
But aren't there only twelve notes in the universe of music? Why would it matter where they are located at?
Anyways, this is confusing for me the rookie, so if you can just stop laughing hysterically and help me out with this, I'd be much obliged.

Thanx for your time . . .

:p

[popmusic_sux]

a;ternate tunings, such as drop d, may make the piece easier to paly, but they also give you different and somewhat interesting chord shapes/sounds.

for example, hoobastank's "running away" is in drop d, but if u try to play it in standard it would be damn near impossible.

theres countless alternate tunings, they pretty much just give a different sound to different chords i think.

[disasterpiece]

Thanx man.
So basically, alternate tunings offer different chord voicings, right?

Take care bro . . .

[svenkabob]

They also allow for different styles to be played more easily. If I'm not mistaken, Joe Walsh plays "Rocky Mountain Way" in Open E (E,B,E,G#,B,E). Using a slide, he can barre major chords, play m7 chords with one extra finger, and get the blues/slide sound all with just a couple of "mis"-tuned strings...

--steve

[popmusic_sux]

yeah some styles are played better with different tunings, and yes, they do offer different chord voicings as well. they would allow for more creative chords, ones you cant really play in standard.

[Ryan_Stud]

Does anyone know how to tune a 2 1/2 step drop? I want to practice on some Type O Negative, which most is in 2 1/2 drop D. Thanks for any help.

[telemarsh]

i'm not sure, i just gotta say, i love your sig and your avatar. awesome

[popmusic_sux]

a 2 1/2 step drop, unless im mistaken, is 5 frets. i'm not sure if you would need to drop the whole guitar or just the low E string. to make the 2 1/2 step drop on the low E, the E string should match the A string on the 10th fret, so the open A and the 10th fret on the E are the same pitch. if the entire guitar needs to be downtuned, after u tune the E down, tune the open A to match the downtuned E string at the 5th fret, and do that all the way up the guitar, as it is tuned in standard (correct me if im wrong or dont understand what im saying.)