Open chords and alternate tunings are fundamental to the distinctive sound of folk guitar music. Open chords use one or more open strings to create rich, resonant harmonies with simple fingerings, making them accessible and ideal for accompanying vocals. Alternate tunings, such as DADGAD or open G, change the pitch of the strings from the standard EADGBE, enabling unique chord voicings, drones, and easier fingerings for complex songs. Together, these techniques expand the expressive possibilities of the guitar and are closely associated with the roots and authenticity of folk music.
- Open Chords: Chords that include open strings, producing a fuller sound with simpler fingerings.
- Alternate Tunings: Non-standard string tunings that offer new sonic textures and facilitate unique playing styles.
- Open chords enhance playability and are commonly used for sing-alongs in folk music.
- Alternate tunings unlock creative potential and are often used to evoke traditional or regional styles.
Open chords offer rich harmonies with minimal finger movement, making them ideal for accompaniment.
DADGAD is a popular alternate tuning in folk music.
Alternate tunings allow for unique chords, simpler fingerings for certain songs, and the use of drone notes.
Open Chords
Open chords are guitar chords that include one or more open (unfretted) strings, creating a full, resonant sound. Because open strings ring freely, they add sustain and richness to the chord. Open chord shapes are often easier to play than barre chords, requiring fewer fingers and enabling quick transitions—ideal for accompanying singing.
Common open chords in folk music include C, G, D, A, and E major and minor variants. These chords form the foundation of many folk songs, allowing simple but effective harmonic progressions.
- Open chords use open strings for fuller sound and greater resonance.
- They are easier to play than many other chord types, making them popular for beginners and sing-alongs.
- Classic open chord sets include C, G, D, A, and E in major and minor forms.
F# minor is usually not taught as a basic open chord.
Open chords offer ease of play and strong resonance, which are valuable in folk music.
Their simplicity and rich sound make open chords ideal for group singing.
Alternate Tunings
Alternate tunings are any tunings that differ from the standard EADGBE. By changing the pitch of one or more strings, alternate tunings provide new chord shapes, facilitate unique harmonic textures, and can make some fingerings easier. This flexibility is especially prized in folk music, where guitarists often seek distinctive sounds or want to emulate traditional stringed instruments.
Examples of common folk alternate tunings:
- DADGAD: D-A-D-G-A-D—famous for its open, modal sound and easy access to drones and suspension chords.
- Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D): Strings form a G major chord when played open, frequently used in blues and folk slide guitar.
- Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D): Creates a D major chord open tuning, great for slide and fingerstyle playing.
- Alternate tunings can create drone effects, new tonal colors, and simpler fingerings for complex songs.
- They are key to achieving “rootsy” or regional folk sounds on guitar.
DADGAD strings are tuned to D-A-D-G-A-D.
Alternate tunings provide new chords, allow for drones, and can simplify certain fingerings.
Open G is often used for slide guitar and bluesy folk styles.
Alternate Tunings vs. Open Chords
While open chords and alternate tunings both enhance folk guitar, they do so in different ways:
| Aspect | Open Chords | Alternate Tunings |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Chords using open strings in standard tuning | Changing string pitches from standard EADGBE |
| Typical Use | Core acoustic folk repertoire | Expanding sonic possibilities, regional styles |
| Guitar Sound | Rich, resonant, straightforward | Unique, often more modal or droning |
| Ease of Playing | Simple chords, easy transitions | Can simplify or complicate chord shapes |
| Expressive Potential | Classic folk “highway” sound | Unlocks new textures and moods |
Alternate tunings change the pitches of strings and open new tonal possibilities—unlike open chords, which are standard tuning chord shapes including open strings.
Open chords are specific to standard tuning; alternate tunings create different 'open' chord shapes.
Conclusion
Open chords and alternate tunings are essential to the folk guitar sound, each offering unique ways to enrich and diversify music.
- Open chords provide easy, resonant harmonies ideal for folk sing-alongs.
- Alternate tunings unlock new sonic landscapes and playing techniques.
- Together, they deepen the expressive range of the guitar in folk traditions.
Open chords deliver rich harmonies easily, making them a staple in folk music.
Alternate tunings enable fresh chord voicings by altering string pitches.
DADGAD and Open G are classic folk alternate tunings.