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Eric Clapton Tuning Guide — How Does He Tune His Guitar?

Eric Clapton caricature

Eric Clapton has long been a towering figure in the world of guitar. For me, he’s nothing short of a guitar god. 

His playing style is marked by its emotional depth and technical brilliance. One of the key elements of Clapton’s sound is his use of alternate tunings. 

He sometimes adjusts the tuning of his guitar to achieve a richer, fuller tone that enhances the soulful expressiveness of his music. 

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Jimmy Page Tuning Guide — Tunings Explained

Jimmy Page caricature

Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, is renowned for his innovative approach to guitar playing. One of the key aspects of his distinctive sound is his use of various guitar tunings. Page’s experimentation with alternate tunings has allowed him to create unique chord voicings, intricate riffs, and atmospheric soundscapes that have become integral to Led Zeppelin’s music. In this Jimmy Page tuning guide, we explore the different guitar tunings Jimmy Page has used throughout his illustrious career.

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Drop C# Guitar Tuning: Tutorial and Popular Songs

One of my favorite tunings, and one that has gained considerable popularity, is Drop C#. This tuning, which drops each string down by one and a half steps from standard tuning and then lowers the lowest string even further, opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities.

Drop C# tuning, characterized by the notes C#-G#-C#-F#-A#-D#, provides a deeper, heavier sound compared to standard tuning. 

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Metallica Tuning Guide — All You Need to Know

Caricatures of two guitarists resembling Metallica members

Metallica’s music has transcended generations, captivating fans with its raw energy and technical prowess. But achieving that signature Metallica sound goes beyond just fast picking and powerful riffs. Tuning plays a crucial role in shaping the character and feel of their music. In this Metallica tuning guide, I will explore the various configurations James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett utilize to create their sonic landscapes.

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Equal Temperament vs Just Intonation: A Beginner’s Guide

Guitar head

Have you ever wondered why your guitar sounds a certain way, or why some chords seem to ring out more clearly than others? It all boils down to musical tuning, the system that determines the specific pitches of your strings.

In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of tuning systems, specifically comparing two main approaches: equal temperament (ET) and just intonation (JI). Even if you’re not a music theory whiz, don’t worry! We’ll break it down in a way that makes sense for every guitarist (and other musicians).

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Are Built-In Guitar Tuners Good?

Built-in guitar tuner

Keeping your guitar in tune is the foundation of good playing, and for years, musicians have relied on dedicated tuners to achieve that perfect pitch. But lately, there’s been a new contender in the tuning ring – the built-in tuner.

These little gadgets seem like a dream come true – no more digging for a lost clip-on tuner, right? Well, as much as I hate to burst your bubble, the reality of built-in tuners isn’t quite as rosy.

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Why Is G String Always Out of Tune on Your Guitar?

You know the feeling – all the strings ring out in perfect harmony, but when you pluck the G string, it sounds somewhat off. As if it’s not quite in tune, even though your tuner says everything is okay. You twist the tuning peg ever so slightly, but the G string just won’t cooperate.  This is a common plight for many guitarists, leaving them frustrated and their music out of whack. 

But fear not, fellow string-benders! There is one big reason why the G string might be acting up. Let’s explore!

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How to Tune a 5-String Bass Guitar

Personally, I’ve never liked playing five-string basses, but I must admit that having that low B string really comes in handy — especially when I have to play drop D songs.

There are two main methods for tuning a 5-string bass: by ear and using an electronic tuner. 

In this guide, I will explore both methods and provide step-by-step instructions on how to tune a 5-string bass to the standard tuning (B, E, A, D, G). Moreover, I will discuss some other popular alternate tunings for five-string basses. Read on!

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