Open and altered tunings can be a great way to expand into new territory as a guitarist, but that is not the only way. Effects, tonal variations, string types, capos (full, partial, and the Spider capo) can all be used to great effect.
A new instrument can also do wonders – the harp guitar is excellent in this regard.
I am playing my harp guitar in this video. The guitar neck is tuned to DADAD, and the sub bass strings (the harp neck) are tuned D, G. A, G, G, E. In and of itself, there is a lot of scope for playing.
But me being me, I wanted to take it further. There is a capo covering strings 1-5 at the 4th fret, and then another covering strings 3,4, and 5 at the 7th. Strings 1, 2, and 6 are open.
This gives us a D Major 7sus2 chord when played, and it is oh so pretty!
To capo the notes required at the 7th fret, I used my standard Kayser capo and turned it around – it worked just fine!
A sleeping dog is optional, but always adds to the occasion. This is Rickie and the lounge is one of his favourite places to be. The other dogs had all gone to bed by this time.
I encourage you to start exploring whatever it is you can imagine. Use the imagination and creativity you possess to come up with something new!
It’s awesome to do so.