Today is alt tuning #164 since starting on January 1, 2016. My open string notes are:
CGCD#CC
Get your FREE 36-chord Guitar Tunings Chord Charts of open tuning CGCD#CC (Open Cm) in the Key of D# Major below, in 4 different formats!
# Sharps b Flats Numbers Intervals
Go PRO with our 167-chord Guitar Tunings Chord Charts which include 60 chords in the scale and 107 chords out of the scale (by only one note) in 30 different chord types! (All versions include a scale fretboard displaying all the notes of the scale).
Tonight’s song/idea is titled, “Spiral” and is in the key of D# Major (C Aeolian Mode).
If you’re not familiar with modes, or if modes are confusing to you, then maybe this explanation will help.
The notes of the D# Major scale are: D#, F, G, G#, A#, C, and D. Any note of the major scale can be the focus note (or mode) of your chord progressions. The mode is the note that your chord progressions resolve to.
The modes of all major scales are:
- Ionian (Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian (Natural minor scale)
- Locrian
Since “Spiral” focuses on the C note and the note C is the 6th note of the D# Major scale, I’m playing in C Aeolian. The Aeolian mode is also known as the Natural Minor scale.
To help clarify further, if I focus on the note “F” which is the 2nd note of the D# Major scale, I would be playing in F Dorian. Focusing on the note G means I’m playing in G Phrygian and so on.*
(*If you would like more help on playing in modes, you can contact me here!)
Here are the chords I’m playing while using the full version of our chord charts, which illustrate 167 chords in this tuning:
May these daily alt tunings continue to inspire you as you explore songwriting beyond the limitations of standard tuning. If you’d like to learn more about how to use alternate tunings to expand and develop your own songwriting, give me a call at 888-7-GUITAR or use our online form to reach out to me here.
Until next time…
~Scott Quillin
Did you know? Scott started playing guitar when he was 14 years old back in 1982. A Pittsburgh native, Scott resides in Rhode Island where he teaches guitar, bass, music and songwriting. He also records and mixes songs for local bands and artists as well as his own music. He writes and records nearly every day and has a real passion to help others hear their “inner voice” and express that in songs.
You can listen to more of Scott’s music at https://soundcloud.com/scottquillin.
