open tuning
A guitar tuning where the open strings form a complete chord without fretting.
In Depth
Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones plays almost exclusively in open G tuning with the low E string removed, giving his guitar work its distinctive five-string sound.
Related Terms
More in Techniques
Browse allA guitar technique using a glass or metal tube on the finger to slide along the strings, producing a smooth, vocal-like portamento associated with blues and country.
John Cage's technique of placing objects between piano strings to transform the instrument into a one-person percussion ensemble with radically altered timbres.
The technique of plucking the strings of a bowed instrument with the fingers instead of using the bow
A piano whose sound has been altered by placing objects — bolts, screws, rubber, felt — between or on the strings.
A piano whose sound is altered by placing objects on or between the strings
Playing techniques for the large orchestral gong including striking with various mallet types, bowing the edge, and using friction to excite specific overtones.
A jazz practice where soloists alternate four-bar improvised phrases.
A musical technique where a melody is distributed across different instruments or timbres, creating a "melody of tone colors."