KEY

Right-hand fingerings:
p = thumb
i = index
m = middle
a = ring

= strumming direction (based on tablature; i.e. the

downward arrow at left is a downstroke since it indicates
moving from the higher strings to the lower strings)

T.S. = thumb slap.

t.s. = light thumb slap/thumb brush.

+ = right-hand tap.
++ = right-hand slap with flattened middle finger. (This is often played after a single-note tap by the index finger.)

Slur to note from nowhere = left-hand tap

= slap body of guitar with left hand.

= slap body of guitar with right hand.

(H) = slap body of guitar with heel of right hand.

(N) = slap body of guitar with nail of right hand.
(T) = slap body of guitar with thumb of right hand.

A.M. = Arm Mute. Right arm used to muffle notes (similar to a palm mute).

Diamond notehead/TAB 12 = harmonic

= notes one octave higher than written.

= notes two octaves higher than written.

Exploring a New Tuning

Be prepared to record or notate in some way the things you find that you want to remember!
I promise there will be many!
Let your ears and your heart guide you as you explore the sonic territory of a new tuning.
Theer are no right or wrong ways to approach it - the following are just suggestions that have
worked well for me. Let yourself wander and get lost. This is how we break out of our
creative ruts.
1) Learn names of open strings - can you identify the chord?
2) Play chord shapes you know in standard tuning. If they don't work try moving One finger One fret up or down at a time. You'll definitely find something that works!
3) Play chords you like as "arpeggios" using the Harmonic Tapping technique.
4) See if you can pick out single line note lines, melodies or patterns.
5) Play single note lines, melodies or patterns you know in standard and see how "strange"
they sound. You may find some amazing new melodic idea.
6) Play double stops on the 6th and 5th strings while picking, tapping or strumming the open
strings. Move the double stops up and down the neck. See what works.
7) Do the same as above with 6th, 5th and 4th strings.
8) Strum or pick or tap the open harmonic chords on the 12th, 9th, 7th, 5th and 4th frets.
9) Do the above while holding down 6th and 5th string bass notes.
10) Play 2 or 3 note chord or interval patterns (like 3rds or 4ths) and see how they sound
against the open strings as you move up and down the neck.
11) Use the Open Tuning Reference Chart or figure out for yourself some common chord
progressions.
12) Use the capo on any fret and see how that changes the sound, the mood, the "vibe".

Creating a New Tuning

Search/listen for a chord or voicing that matches your mood, the vibe of a particular event,
a story, your favorite color - or just the energy of the moment. If you are moved or feel
passionate about something, this is a great time to look for a tuning.
If you're interested in creating a new tuning for a song you may already know, listen for
something new, something you haven't heard when playing that song in standard tuning - or
listen for chord voicings that will complement another guitar tuned in standard.
Start to explore the tuning and see how easy it is to find chords and patterns you like.
Always follow your ear and heart - follow what sounds good to you! Some tunings will lend
themselves to many possibilities, others may not.