Noob Q: Alt. Tuning affects scales & patterns?

[ZippoTragedy]

Sorry- total rookie here.

I have some physical issues that make alternate tuning advantageous - specifically Double Drop D (or just Drop D) - which makes it easier to Barre chords (no feeling in L hand).

How does Alt tuning affect scales and patterns?
I know there's a math adjustment - no idea how to calc this.

Is there a means to modify learnings to adjust to this tuning?

thanks! ZT

[benbenben]

Well, alt tunings won't affect the scale and the notes in the scale, it will only change the position of the notes on the fretboard. The a major scale in drop D will still contain the same notes as a major scale in normal tuning, it's just the notes on the Low E string are all moved down two frets. I'm no technical expert, but I'm pretty sure I'm right there.

Basically, you should focus on learning notes, and the intervals between each notes in a scale, that'll help with playing in alternate tunings as you won't have to rely on learnt patterns. I'm still in that process now :(

[Clifford-D]

Sorry- total rookie here.

I have some physical issues that make alternate tuning advantageous - specifically Double Drop D (or just Drop D) - which makes it easier to Barre chords (no feeling in L hand).

How does Alt tuning affect scales and patterns?
I know there's a math adjustment - no idea how to calc this.

Is there a means to modify learnings to adjust to this tuning?

thanks! ZT
Alt tunings can "line up" certain tones. Making those tones
"automatic" or "open"

This can create exotic "impossible" chord voicings.

So, what would benefit from being lined up?

[JonR]

Sorry- total rookie here.

I have some physical issues that make alternate tuning advantageous - specifically Double Drop D (or just Drop D) - which makes it easier to Barre chords (no feeling in L hand).

How does Alt tuning affect scales and patterns?
I know there's a math adjustment - no idea how to calc this.
As strings get tuned down, then the notes move up. This is the basic calculation: for every half-step you lower a string, the notes move a half-step up (towards the bridge) to compensate.

So for drop D, note positions on the bottom string move up 2 frets. For double drop D, this will obviously apply to both altered strings. Eg, E is now on 2nd fret, not the open string.

Eg, here's the familar A minor pent pattern at 5th fret, in double drop D:


5 6 7 8 9 10
D -|---|---|-A-|---|---|-C-|-
B -|-E-|---|---|-G-|---|---|-
G -|-C-|---|-D-|---|---|---|-
D -|-G-|---|-A-|---|---|---|-
A -|-D-|---|-E-|---|---|---|-
D -|---|---|-A-|---|---|-C-|-
You can include the Gs on 5th fret if you want, tho on top string this doubles up the G on 8th fret on 2nd string:

5 6 7 8 9 10
D -|(G)|---|-A-|---|---|-C-|-
B -|-E-|---|---|(G)|---|---|-
G -|-C-|---|-D-|---|---|---|-
D -|-G-|---|-A-|---|---|---|-
A -|-D-|---|-E-|---|---|---|-
D -|-G-|---|-A-|---|---|-C-|-
This is a typical problem with scale patterns and altered tunings. In drop D, the bottom 2 strings are a 5th (5 notes, 7 frets) apart. This means you need to stretch to get an additional note on the bottom string. (In a full major scale pattern, you need to get 4 notes on that string.)

In double drop D, there's only a minor 3rd (3 frets) between the top 2 strings, so only one different note between them (less of a problem).

Generally speaking, when you choose open or alternative tunings, you abandon the old methods of playing scale patterns, in favour of the advantages the tuning(s) offers you: easier open chords (in one key), lower bass notes, easier barre chords, whatever.

For full one-finger barre chords, you would choose an open tuning, such as open E, open D, open G or open A.
Here's how the D major scale works in open D, open position:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
D ||---|-E-|---|-F#|---|---|---|---|
A ||---|-B-|---|-C#|---|---|---|---|
F#||-G-|---|(A)|---|---|---|---|---|
D ||---|-E-|---|(F#)---|---|---|---|
A ||---|-B-|---|-C#|---|---|---|---|
D ||---|-E-|---|-F#|-G-|---|---|---|
The (A) on 3rd string is same note as open 2nd string, and the F# on 4th string is same as 3rd string. You need the G on 5th fret bottom string. Obviously if this pattern is moved up the neck (for other major scales), you're going to have to stretch 5 frets on that string.


IOW, an alternative tuning is normally suited for a very narrow range of tasks - making one particular job (or key) easier than in standard.
Standard tuning is not too easy in any key, but makes every musical task (in all keys) roughly equivalent, or as near equivalent as possible.

[ZippoTragedy]

Excellent explanations from all - thanks heaps. :)
Jon - thanks for taking the time to really map this out - makes much more sense ot me now. ZT