Alternate tunings
Alternate tunings are when you tuning the strings differently to the standard E A D G B E. Some tuning are good for Country music and others are common in Metal styles due to the distinctive sounds they create. You can also try making your own alternate tunings as most of these have come about through experimentation anyway.
Here are some common alternate tunings:
Half and whole step detuning will give you a lower, heavier sound. Going much lower than this will require thicker gauge strings. The Drop D tuning makes power chords even easier to play.
Open tunings such as D and G are good for using a slide as all of the strings sound good together.
"Nashville" tuning is when the E A D and G strings are tuned an octave higher. To do this you will need to get the thin strings out of a 12 string set.
A Capo is another way to alter the tuning of a guitar. This is a device which is strapped or clamped onto the neck to raise the pitch of all strings equally. E.g 3 frets higher if placed on the third fret. etc.
