Don Ross: Altered Vs. Open Tunings

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Don Ross is back again with another freebie from his Fingerstyle series on JamPlay. This time, he talks a little about altered vs. open tunings with a focus on altered. Check out more great lessons here: www.jamplay.com/youtube7/
Be sure to check out our blog:
www.JamPlay.com/blog/
Here's another must-see Don Ross freebie on Travis Picking:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4apmolph697hqM
Check out this simple Fingerstyle ending lick with Jim Deeming:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJeqc5dqmbqVY7M
Here's a fantastic interview with a Fingerstyle great, Tommy Emmanuel:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJjXh6CoaaeHf68 .
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[@Zsolto66]

At last an instructor who is not a wannabe. Don oozes experience and he has that air that makes me believe he is not just one lesson ahead of me. I especially enjoy thos quick retunings he does by ear while he is talking.

[@Zsolto66]

Well, no, not yet at least. I will take a look by all means. Zs

[@GaryR55]

Zsolto66 Don Ross is, indeed, quite experienced. Check out his early videos on the Candy Rat Records channel on KZbin.....back when Don had more hair and less weight. :)

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Yep Don's one of the goodies!

[@guitarlessonsnow3431]

You’re going to the wrong teachers if that’s the case…

[@RogerMaidens]

Don, I’ve been listening to and feeling your guitar playing and composing for three decades now. Could not be more grateful. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@jamplay]

Thanks! You can find more of his courses on our site: www.jamplay.com/guitar-teachers/107-don-ross

[@9unslin9er]

Don Ross is such a beast on guitar.

[@Caged63Man]

I remember this dude coming to my school to play his freestyle of music which left us in awe! ..and this was back in the 80's He Is A Master to be reckoned with!

[@nestortsai6742]

thank you so much ,,,I've always been confused about how to make a open tuning, so I'm so looking forward to your next lesson

[@DA-ti6pc]

Don is such an incredible communicator with a wealth of knowledge and his compositions are second to none. I think he was standing in front of the line when they were handing out gray matter.

[@flatfingertuning727]

Some years ago, I decided to try the guitar having previously played violin and cello, but had two major problems: (1) chords seemed to have a weird variety of hand shapes without any rhyme or reason, and (2) it was hard to fret a string without also hitting the string above. So one Friday, somewhat like you did when you were eight (though I was much older), I invented a tuning to fix both problems; by Sunday evening I was able to play movable chords, in multiple inversions, in tempo. At the time, the tuning was x-x-d-f-g#-b (I didn't know what to do with the bottom two string yet) but I've since extended it to G-D-d-f-g#-b. I need to post more videos, but I posted one video which clearly shows the left-hand chords for "Hotel California" [search "Flatfinger California"]. It doesn't look like the left hand is doing much, because it isn't. I'd be interested in your thoughts about that tuning. Also, I'd like to post more videos which show multiple angles like yours, but don't know how to manage the process of shoot/edit/upload. How do you make your videos look so nice?

[@josefrancisco6969]

Cool video, waiting for more lessons . Don Ross is great

[@runrun1519]

most valuable video on youtube, all hail Don Ross, what a fucking legend

[@benjaminhakansson]

Absolutely fantastic Don. One would be lucky to have you as a teacher!

[@alexissteele1689]

I am so happy to have seen this

[@LiveMusicOntario]

I like that while you describe something I barely can follow, I'm aware you're speaking as someone who remembers what it was like when you were starting out. Those kinds of people are the most effective teachers, IMHO, in any discipline. One of my friends announced at the club last Saturday he was going to play the next song in drop D tuning. It was a song to his deceased mother. All I know is it gives a haunting tone to the right music. And nice reference to Crowded House; I love that song too.

[@benjic80]

Thanks Don. So humble and knowledgeable.

[@shavenwonder]

Don is an incredible musician and teacher.

[@yhafleahcim]

thanks for such a clear explanation Don, much appreciated.

[@mambowman1492]

great lesson, great guitar, thanks Don

[@kennethross3873]

Don is funny that history lesson made me wanna learn more cause i never did the D tuniing now i know i will drop that string on two of my acoustics now thanks for the lesson Don..

[@neilgroves64]

Another great lesson to follow Don.....thanks.

[@Ceilingfan_]

Good stuff! Love me some Don Ross

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

That was actually informative! Good clip!

[@RKCMUZIK1111]

this was great to watch thank you !

[@IamMorpheaus]

I am happy I found your channel thank you!

[@nelsonjcloudy]

very clear, Don does not digress as others do.

[@robertnewell5057]

Ah, the folk scare - also known as 'the hammer famine', beause everyone was singing about what they would do IF they had a hammer! Very enjoyable and you are a great teacher. Love your playing. Don't think there's a real difference between altered and open tunings. Every tuning (including standard) is an open tuning, in that it is tuned to a chord - it's just that some of the chords are more complex than traditional triad open tunings - maybe you say this in your lesson. Cheers

[@johnbee1069]

What was just great - excellent story telling

[@larrygeetar9309]

" ... old enough to remember the folk scare." You got me right there. Never heard that description of the era before. Is that one yours? Sweet! Plus a really good explanation of altered tunings vs open tunings. I think I'm a fan ...

[@larrygeetar9309]

larry geetar BTW, Don - I stumbled on a tuning called the "Memphis Minnie" tuning, also called a reverse drop D or a fake G tuning. It's achieved by dropping the pitch of your 1st string down one whole step from E to D while in standard tuning. That gives you the top 4 four strings of an open G tuning. I play slide and love open G, but often have to play regular guitar rhythm parts or licks, too, not slide only. Yes, I play standard tuning slide, but this little trick gives you a nice box of G tuning so you can play those awesome licks but still have regular guitar underneath it to go back to. Ever heard of this altered tuning or used it yourself? If not, check it out. Pretty cool, and thanks.

[@MrVinceq]

Great style (personality) of imparting knowledge. Thank you for the info :-) Favourite bit "Heres a D chord(strums) oooh.." a man who loves his guitar :-) :-)

[@nessimko7628]

Very helpful and interesting ! Thanks !!

[@dimitriosgreek1458]

Glorious!

[@EIYH58]

Thnx Don for the lesson !

[@DonAlderOfficial]

Don is an amazing teacher and human being for that matter

[@NicolaBoschetti]

Hiya Don, great lesson! Thanks JPDCom

[@mimmomarracino2552]

Una grande lezione, da un grande chitarrista: -)))

[@NicolaBoschetti]

E sabato si studia con Don!!!

[@neonseacow]

This is fucking GREAT. Great topics and great editing. Thank you

[@vladyavorov3605]

love you videos! you helped me a lot.

[@lesd2633]

Everything i needed to know I saw in how you string your guitar

[@jonathanlavoie7401]

Don't dream it's over lol Don, I loves ya buddy! Great video. Gonna check out the Ta Ta Ticka Ta, Ticka Ta Rest now...

[@marknorris3769]

excellent simple explanation thank you

[@koorlyvoorly]

Nirvana cover at 1:34 :D

[@trense13]

.... ok i laughed

[@Stevelemontrudy]

made me laugh. thanks.

[@MrMiniTako]

kko 32154 I don' get it

[@jazu40]

These two notes are used in Nirvana's - Smells Like Teen Spirit

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Hahaha Yeah that's in Fm though, but yeah i thought the same thing.

[@cccxx0xx]

Don Ross You are the best!!! Wonderfull!!!

[@user-qe9xz5uv3w]

very helpfull, thanks. Mr Ross!!!

[@jimstaish]

Dude you're awesome!!! :)

[@bobbywhiskey]

Et voilà!! Criss de bon Guitariste !!

[@MichaelKobrin]

Loved this lesson

[@MichaelKobrin]

+Michael Kobrin thank you!

[@harknessj112]

It's possibly just because I'm still getting the hang of tuning by ear (and Don being a professional), but my brain is really struggling to process the casual ease with which he tunes a string perfectly in less than 5 seconds

[@robrobert9541]

I've tried drop D tuning (and some other alternate tunings), but it's kind of limiting in the chords you can play while tuned that way. You pretty much have to change your tuning each time you play a new song. I also have trouble with trying to get used to compensating for the changes to chords that are permanently imprinted in my subconscious and I find myself instinctively playing the chords the way I should while in standard tuning. I guess it's like anything else - once you get more used to it there can be advantages, but I find myself dreading changing the tuning for some reason. Thanks for another great lesson, though. I'll try to work with it more and get used to it. Much respect for your playing and your easy to follow lessons. Thanks.

[@jonathanlavoie7401]

You really just need to change your finger positions... Look for them, they're there 😀

[@truedarklander]

Rob Robert Drop D does wonders in Metal

[@mainsblanches8793]

It's all a question of "does it serve my purpose as a creator"?...I've been using open tunings for 40 years and it's become second nature to me!!...Pierre Bensusan decided to play only in DADGAD and knows it upside down now and can play anything on it!!...I still use a lot of different tunings for the harmonic expression made available with them!!...you have to think and play "out of the box"!!...best of luck with it!!...

[@togotsi]

Thank you Don ross

[@nestortsai6742]

where is the other lesson???T_T~~~I'm still waiting for that~~~I wanna know more about open tuning !!!

[@pickerdad8402]

ME TOO! I guess Part 2 never happened. If anyone knows, please post a link here. Just discovering Don Ross. Awesome videos and he is so genuine, without being condescending. I'll follow anything he wants to teach.

[@DonRossMusic]

Again...it says in the description that there is a whole series on JamPlay. This is one free teaser lesson.

[@nonpolygon]

great video

[@KountryCuz1]

Thats Good info Thanks

[@mololanderi]

Interesting video thank you! :)

[@templecharas]

Very interesting teacher

[@werey2]

I love everything about Don Ross's music and style. With the ladder in mind, does anyone know why he winds the strings at the top of the neck into loops? Is there some sonic benefit or is it just a nice visceral touch?

[@oODallyOo]

It's completely cosmetic. I was taught to do it as it means if you need to take the strings off for any reason you'll have no trouble reusing the strings again

[@gamerone00]

+alex sapadin Usually for cosmetics, but I do it because when I don't have a set of needle nose pliers with me I won't have to worry about poking my eye out.

[@jfsk8er]

The dudes a freakin genius!

[@patrickjryan7005]

A Legend....I've learned all i know about the DEMON.from DON ROSS legand.

[@aaronbaker9210]

where is the next video on Open Tunings?

[@Stothedqd]

don ross u the man

[@chaddiboy]

sure is

[@goswo]

New fan here...

[@aartsen8]

''Here's a nice D-chord... who.'' haha, love it!

[@dopydon]

What kind of nails is he using ..my nails are so weak I need those

[@muchliskamarullah5518]

Ty JamPlayDotCom

[@reneschiekel968]

Hallo Don, pefekte Music,wir sehen uns in Dresden. Gruss Max

[@AlecTaylor40]

Hi Don sry to bother you, but ive been playing guitar for 35 years, you Jimmy and Callum grarham are on my favourites list. So could you please give me a tip on the thumb pic, whenever i use it it seems to get stuck or hits another string, im fine without it but obviously some music needs the pic, thx.

[@DonRossMusic]

Big Al Hey there. Sorry to take so long. There are a variety of brands and styles of thumb pick available. I'd suggest you try: Golden Gate picks or Fred Kelly picks. They come in a lot of styles and sizes. Experiment and you'll likley find something that's right for you.

[@AlecTaylor40]

Don Ross Thx Don ill try that.

[@ShalomPhone]

First of all, I need quality machine head for tuning. My Chinese crap brake too many times when I tune to alternate method. Why machine head should I use?

[@alexissteele1689]

:D MEEEP Im watchin this with my bf tomorrow!! We just got jam play

[@alexissteele1689]

we both are HUGE Don Ross fans as well, so this was a big bonus

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Lol Don: "we fudged it!" That's right kids, Don has been there from the start! Just kidding, love you Don!

[@mkl2872]

THEE MAN

[@hapkanaga7978]

Berkly springs lessons please

[@mainsblanches8793]

"Hundreds" of tunings?...open tuning guitar players (like I do since 1974) use a "lot" of tunings but "hundreds"?...hi!...hi!...let's stick to 50!!...hi!...hi!...love your music and this short introdution to the world of open and altered tunings!!...

[@MitchRossMusician]

If you get to see Don Ross live, you will not be disappointed. So many of today's "famous" acoustic players are influenced by him.

[@0Imtheslime0]

Looks like Ricky Gervais´s brother..

[@jv1969]

is he wearing acrylic nails?

[@Bob_Belcher]

HOLY SHIT! Someone else who knows what a Behuela is! I think that is how it's spelled. I was in Nicaragua where that is a common instrument and one of the interpreters told me about it. Edit: Just figured out the spelling, It's Vihuela, fuck spanish pronunciation

[@jharsch3453]

+Bob Belcher VIhuela is a beautiful instrument, I've been wanting one for a while

[@morgasmdickmonalds6149]

Don Ross is me mum

[@johndennis5182]

I don't understand why some one would like to have there strings sticking up every where on there head stock, I know why people did it in the old days, but there is really not any good reason to do it today, but that just me. every body to there own I guess lol.

[@jimmypge]

Whether or not I clip the strings depends on whether I have a pair of wire-clippers near me when I restring it

[@Sergueio]

David Brent! :D

[@GuruPremierGangStarr]

This was a great video but you didn't really discuss open tunings at all!

[@mainsblanches8793]

Yep, just the tip of the iceberg!!...

[@LiveMusicOntario]

@@mainsblanches8793 This week's lesson: "Wax On". Next week's lesson: "Wax Off."

[@tenacious645]

Shouldn't mess with other tunings unless you can afford to get new strings often or have multiple guitars.

[@andiwernerful]

Don Ross is such a great guitarist! I was really inspired by one of his tunings and wrote my own fingerstyle song "Tidal Waves", you can check it out on my YT Channel, I appreciate! :-)

[@nofider1]

Very nice Don....ha ha ! Nice D chord..... woooh lol

[@awesomeneses]

i thought you were gonna talk about open tunings in this one dude

[@DonRossMusic]

There's a whole series on JamPlay. This is a free teaser.

[@EastPlanet]

Lmao 4:39 that chord turned him on

[@house9850]

this guy doesnt get the credit he deserves for what he has done for western music.

[@sammydaboul6781]

When I was a kid I didn't know how to play guitar. I started at 14 :s

[@ManifoldSky]

That's not a G11, that's a Gsus4

[@anirbanraha8952]

@1:34: skip to smells like teen spirit guitar lesson...

[@chrisstrupp5737]

not being a jerk but double bass is ussually tuned in fifths

[@stevenhenry8374]

Alternate and open tunings are 95% of my guitar time...have been for last 35 years...Go listen to Nick Drake and Martin Simpson....thats why.

[@marceloyanez4375]

cut those stringssss theyre making me nervous

[@ahmadhadder9834]

400 thousand songs

[@morgasmdickmonalds6149]

?

[@caitlanedwards9910]

Vvvvvggtv

[@rebeldeerk]

ist mir zu kompliziert redet nur und zeigt nicht wie es geht.

[@onlinescammer8291]

literally if you're gonna do this. just dress up all your fingernails.

[@nestortsai6742]

thank you so much ,,,I've always been confused about how to make a open tuning, so I'm so looking forward to your next lesson