Extended chord tuning is a type of guitar tuning that uses more than the four basic triad tones (root, third, fifth, and octave) to create a more complex and expressive sound. Extended chords can add a new dimension to your playing and help you to create more interesting and unique melodies and harmonies.

Types of extended chord tuning

There are many different types of extended chord tuning, but some of the most common include:

• Seventh chords: Seventh chords add a seventh tone to the basic triad, creating a more dissonant and complex sound. Seventh chords are often used in jazz and blues music.
• Ninth chords: Ninth chords add a ninth tone to the basic triad, creating a more mellow and spacious sound. Ninth chords are often used in jazz and folk music.
• Eleventh chords: Eleventh chords add an eleventh tone to the basic triad, creating a more bright and airy sound. Eleventh chords are often used in jazz and fusion music.
• Thirteenth chords: Thirteenth chords add a thirteenth tone to the basic triad, creating a more complex and dissonant sound. Thirteenth chords are often used in jazz and fusion music.

Benefits of Using Extended Chord Tuning

There are many benefits to using extended chord tuning on the guitar. Here are a few:

• It can create a more complex and expressive sound. Extended chords can add a new dimension to your playing and help you to create more interesting and unique melodies and harmonies.
• It can make it easier to play certain chords and arpeggios. Extended chords can make it easier to play certain chords and arpeggios, such as minor chords and suspended chords. This is because the intervals between the strings are already in the correct position to play the chord.
• It can help you to learn new scales and patterns. Extended chords can help you to learn new scales and patterns that you may not have been able to play before. This is because the intervals between the strings are different from standard tuning.

Tips for Playing in Extended Chord Tuning

Here are a few tips for playing in extended chord tuning:

• Use different voicings. A voicing is the arrangement of the notes of a chord. There are many different voicings for each chord, so experiment to find voicings that sound good in extended chord tuning.
• Use effects pedals. Effects pedals can be used to create a variety of different sounds, including a darker, more resonant sound or a brighter, more open sound. Experiment with different effects pedals to find ones that you like.
• Listen to other guitarists who use extended chord tuning. There are many great guitarists who use extended chord tuning, such as Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Listen to their music to get ideas on how to use extended chord tuning in your own playing.

Conclusion

Extended chord tuning is a great way to expand your guitar playing horizons. It can help you to create new sounds, learn new scales and patterns, and find new sources of inspiration. If you have never tried extended chord tuning before, I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

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Guitar Tuning Series

← Minor Tuning

Minor tuning is a guitar tuning that uses minor thirds between adjacent strings, rather than the standard major thirds. This creates a darker, more melancholic sound that is well-suited for playing minor chords and arpeggios. Minor tuning is also popular for playing blues and jazz music.

Types of Minor Tuning

There are many different types of minor tuning, but some of the most common include:

• Open D minor: This tuning is created by tuning the low E string down to a D. This gives the guitar a darker sound and makes it easier to play minor chords.
• Dropped D minor: This tuning is created by tuning the low E string down to a D and the high E string down to a D. This gives the guitar an even darker sound and makes it even easier to play minor chords.
• Full minor tuning: This tuning is created by tuning all of the strings down by a minor third. This gives the guitar a very dark and melancholic sound.

Benefits of Minor Tuning

There are several benefits to using minor tuning:

• It makes it easier to play minor chords and arpeggios. Because minor tuning uses minor thirds between adjacent strings, it is much easier to play minor chords and arpeggios. This is because the strings are already in the correct position to play the minor chord.
• It creates a darker, more melancholic sound. Minor tuning gives the guitar a darker, more melancholic sound. This is because the minor thirds create a more dissonant sound than the major thirds of standard tuning. This sound is well-suited for playing minor chords and arpeggios.
• It is popular for playing blues and jazz music. Minor tuning is popular for playing blues and jazz music because it creates a darker, more melancholic sound. This sound is well-suited for the bluesy and jazzy melodies that are often played in these genres.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Minor Tuning

To tune your guitar to minor tuning, you can use a tuner or tune by ear. If you are using a tuner, simply select the minor tuning that you want to use. If you are tuning by ear, you can use the following steps:

1. Tune the low E string to a D.
2. Tune the A string to a G.
3. Tune the D string to a C.
4. Tune the G string to an F.
5. Tune the B string to an A.
6. Tune the high E string to a D.

Tips for Playing in Minor Tuning

Here are a few tips for playing in minor tuning:

• Use heavier strings. Because minor tuning uses lower tunings, it is important to use heavier strings to avoid the strings from buzzing.
• Adjust your intonation. When you change tunings, you will need to adjust the intonation of your guitar. This will ensure that your guitar is playing in tune at all frets.
• Use a capo. A capo can be used to raise the pitch of all of your strings by a certain number of steps. This can be useful for playing in different keys without having to change your tuning.
• Experiment with different tunings. There are many different types of minor tuning, so experiment with different tunings to find one that you like.

Conclusion

Minor tuning is a great way to add a new dimension to your guitar playing. It can be used to create a darker, more melancholic sound that is well-suited for playing minor chords and arpeggios. Minor tuning is also popular for playing blues and jazz music. If you are looking for a new way to tune your guitar, be sure to try minor tuning.

Have fun and be creative!

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Guitar Tuning Series

← Drop Tuning | Modal Tuning →

Drop tuning is a guitar tuning technique where the lowest string, the low E string, is tuned down to a lower pitch. This can be done by a single step, or by multiple steps, depending on the desired tuning. Drop tuning is a popular technique in heavy metal and hard rock music, as it allows for heavier riffs and lower-pitched power chords.

Benefits of Drop Tuning

There are several benefits to using drop tuning. First, it allows you to play heavier riffs and lower-pitched power chords. This is because the lower tuning gives the strings a looser feel, which makes it easier to bend and palm mute them. Drop tuning can also add depth and richness to your sound, especially if you are using a distortion pedal.

Second, drop tuning can make it easier to play certain songs. For example, many heavy metal and hard rock songs are written in drop D tuning. If you try to play these songs in standard tuning, you will find that they are much more difficult to play.

Third, drop tuning can help you to develop your guitar skills. By learning to play in different tunings, you will expand your musical horizons and become a more versatile guitarist.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Drop Tuning

Tuning your guitar to drop tuning is very easy. To tune to drop D, simply tune your low E string down to D. To tune to drop C, tune your low E string down to C. And so on.

You can use a tuner to help you tune your guitar to drop tuning. However, you can also tune your guitar by ear. To do this, simply tune your low E string down to the desired pitch. Then, tune the rest of your strings to the low E string.

The Different Drop Tunings

There are many different drop tunings that you can use. However, some of the most popular drop tunings include:

• Drop D: This is the most common drop tuning. It is a good choice for beginners, as it is relatively easy to play in and does not require any major changes to your guitar technique.
• Drop C: This tuning is a bit heavier than drop D, and it is a good choice for playing metal and hard rock music.
• Drop B: This tuning is even heavier than drop C, and it is a good choice for playing very heavy metal and death metal music.
• Drop A: This tuning is the heaviest drop tuning, and it is a good choice for playing very low-pitched riffs and power chords.

Getting Started with Drop Tuning

Here are a few tips for playing in drop tuning:

• Use heavier strings. This will help to compensate for the looser string tension and prevent the strings from buzzing.
• Adjust your intonation. When you change tunings, you will need to adjust the intonation of your guitar. This will ensure that your guitar is playing in tune at all frets.
• Use a capo. A capo can be used to raise the pitch of all of your strings by a certain number of steps. This can be useful for playing in different keys without having to change your tuning.
• Experiment. There are no rules when it comes to drop tuning. Experiment with different tunings to find what sounds best to you.

Conclusion

Drop tuning is a great way to add depth, richness, and heaviness to your guitar sound. It is also a good way to make certain songs easier to play and to develop your guitar skills. If you have never tried drop tuning before, I encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

Try Expert, Personalized Guitar Lessons at Hodis Learning & Music

Hodis Learning & Music provides expert, individualized guitar lessons to students of all ages and backgrounds, helping them embark on their unique musical journey or prepare for music school auditions. Learn more about our services by calling or emailing us today! 

Guitar Tuning Series

← Open Tuning |  Minor Tuning →