Open-tuning loom
Compare six useful tunings string by string. Every spool shows its exact target pitch and the change from standard tuning.
It’s an interactive chart which plays and visualizes six popular open tunings for guitars, string-by-string. You can explore the pitch changes in each tuning and play through the resulting open chords by left-clicking on the widget or using your computer keyboard, which will speed up the process. You don’t even need a real guitar nearby.
To get started, click one of the tunings in the right-hand column’s index. This will show the tuning name, its note order (lowest to highest), and what kind of chord is produced. When you click on a tuning, the main display show the individual pitch of each string in that tuning. The interface then points out the raised, lowered and unchanged strings compared to a standard tuning. So you can quickly visualize just how much extra tension should of been added or let out.
How to Use the Interactive Guitar Tuning Chart
Six strings is represented in vertical form across the middle of the diagram. A circle represents a spool of each string with its desired octave number and note name written inside. The semitones to be changed from standard tuning are listed below these spools. An up-facing arrow indicates that the string will be tuned up one or more semitones, while a down facing arrow indicate a tuning down by one or more semitones. A dot denotes no change required for the pitch. This visual information allows you to see at a glance how you are going to retune the strings before touching any guitar pegs.
The little circle spools is there so you can listen to the sound each string makes in the chosen tuning by clicking on them. Alternatively, you can make each string sound using your computer keyboard. Just press the numbers 1-6 and they’ll play the lowest to highest strings respectively. It is mapped this way so you can tap out a sequence quickly without moving your hand away from the mouse. This can be handy for comparing string intervals or, even more importantly, intonation.
There is also a “Sound the open set” button that, when clicked, sounds all six strings at once. They’re played as a cascading arpeggio from lowest to highest string. It provides an instant feel for how these strings ring and color a chord.
The Resonance slider beneath the play buttons adjust how loudly the instrument sounds. Slide it right for a louder signal; slide it to the left and the sound is quieter. The Still every string button stops the sound instantly and cuts off any of the currently activated oscillators. This is useful when rapidly trying out several different tunings and you want a fresh start.
And finally, there’s some real-time feedback about the state of play in a status bar along the bottom. It confirms the audio silence, the notes that is playing, or whatever the currently selected tuning tip is.
For people that use keyboards, navigation is simplified. Use the left/right arrow keys to scroll through the available tunings. This will move up or down the list of selections. Pressing H on your keyboard allows you to toggle the help panel on/off. For more screen space dedicated to the visualization of strings and the chart itself, press F on your keyboard which toggles fullscreen mode. If you have a smaller monitor or just want to focus on the widget alone, this is a good option.
Tune to all the various tunings and get to know the sounds of them. Slides are not under as much tension. Because of this, Open G and Open D are common settings for slide guitar due to their deep bass response. The DADGAD tuning provides a more modal sound that has no clear major/minor third. You might find it useful to sound out the complete chord in each tuning to hear how the note spacing impacts the sound qualities.
When playing single strings, also notice the frequency numbers displayed in the status bar. These can assist you to tune into the relative pitches. Keep in mind, though, that by raising a note a lot, you’ll tighten the string considerably. Depending on the strength of your instrument and the gauge of the strings, you’re advised to tune up carefully based off the widget. It allows you to work out how to safely retune your instrument. By visualizing the change in tensions needed before trying it on your guitar, you avoid accidentally damaging your strings (or instrument).
The interface is designed to adjust automatically to the size of your screen. For example, if you have a narrow screen, it moves the tuning list below the chart so you can read both easily. If you have a wider screen, it keeps the list on the side, right next to the chart for easy comparison. If you want a full time work space, just expand the view to fullscreen mode. Either way, you’ll never be without all the info and controls.
Experiment with all of them, taking your time over it. Hear how they sound. Find out what notes make the chords. Use the keyboard shortcuts to speed up your learning. Quickly swap between tunings and listen back-to-back to hear the intervallic differences. That way you can determine the best tuning for your developing musical thought.
It’s a reference tool and an aid to practice. With just one key press, or click, you start your journey into open tunings. Pick a tuning that appeals and hear what it has to say. Make sure the volume is set to a comfortable level in the space where you are. Play back each string separately to check pitches. It’s a simple way to try out something new without any risk. Have fun exploring what different tunings for the guitar can do.