'There’s so much music to be discovered simply by retuning your guitar': Try these 9 alternate guitar tunings to inspire your playing today – including the saddest tuning of all time

Photo of Ritchie BLACKMORE and DEEP PURPLE; Ritchie Blackmore, posed, backstage, tuning up, with collection of Fender Stratocaster guitars .

There’s so much music to be discovered simply by retuning your guitar. With that in mind, here’s a guide for getting you started with some great open and alternate tunings. Some common are, others less so - and we've included a handful of chords to get you started with each one, plus some pointers on where to hear it on record.

Grab your guitar tuner and let's go and explore!