TOP 10 GUITAR ALTERNATE TUNING SONGS OF ALL TIME

[@zackmano]

Gotta respect that Rick took the time to tune down his 12-string to C# for a 5 second lick of I Stay Away. 🙌🏼🤘🏼

[@jjhlew]

Considering the number of guitars Rick has, I wouldn't be surprised if he already had a 12-string tuned to C#.

[@rogerpbsmusic]

Beautiful song. One of my favs from AIC

[@hhasslinger9601]

That 12 string acoustic of "I Stay Away" was just beautiful

[@hasslerj11]

What’s the tuning for this one?

[@hhasslinger9601]

@@hasslerj11 Drop C#

[@jonsummers7580]

Totes it’s brilliant. Would love to see Rick do more of it.

[@mikeprival2651]

@ghost mall Yeah man! as soon as he started playin it, i'm like....hell yeah!!! frickin cantrell man. goin to see him soon

[@Cammi-Cat-XIII]

@@hhasslinger9601 drop Db. If the guitar is turned to an Eb, then the drop note would be Db, not C#. Because you don’t mix sharps and flats in a key signature.

[@Timliu92]

Chris Cornell was such an underrated guitarist. His chord ideas were really cool and unorthodox, and not to mention he was a very solid rhythm player as well.

[@fake_tourist]

Do you think he knew music theory and what he was exactly doing? Just curious.

[@EB-bl6cc]

Euphoria Morning had so many brilliant ideas, none of his other solo albums quite hit that mark consistently (great songs here and there) but Euphoria I even put above his work w/ Soundgarden, Audioslave, TotD etc.

[@JustRockMySoul]

Until now I thought, he only sang, like in Audioslave. But this progression was so fantastic... Seems to me his approach was rather intuitive than actually based on music theory. In either case, respect.

[@michaelnorris5838]

@@fake_tourist I don't know I always wondered, I remember vaguely one his acoustic songs he mentioned he was just learning the guitar when he was writing it, I wish I could remember the story now I remember it surprised me given he seemed to have a rare mastery of the instrument. When I really pay attention to his music, both singing and guitar, it always amazes me how skilled he was, and how effortless it seemed to be for him. Good bless his soul. I'm always thankful for the gifts he gave us through Chris, and i think he's the only celebrity that I will never get used to the fact he's gone. I regularly tear up watching him play and listening to him sing. No one sings like you anymore.

[@1mlb704]

Totally agree

[@kylewalker9062]

You forgot Nick Drake, the king of alternate tunings. He used so many unique tunings that some of them are still somewhat unknown. His most commonly used tuning on his Pink Moon (1972) album was CGCFCE

[@patrickbaustian4455]

👍for the Nick Drake name drop

[@chowpuppy4537]

@ghost mall I have to reluctantly agree with you. Personally, I had never heard of him until I saw the Volkswagen commercial featuring Pink Moon, and then I immediately fell in love with the music and the back story.

[@Syfoll]

Hell yes

[@TomKimmelTamir]

👌👌👌

[@eamonrussell6890]

One of the greatest songwriters of all time. Sadly never recognised in his lifetime.

[@nobrainsnoheadache2434]

The consensus is in, the internet clearly identifies 'The Rain Song' as the top missing tune

[@madraccoon5934]

Always think of The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

What a beautiful beautiful song!

[@PRS9091]

Criminal that the rain song didn't make the list

[@keithhill7656]

That has an unusual alt tuning: D-G-C-G-C-D. Once you're tuned to that, it is fairly easy to play and sounds great.

[@joeongie]

That's the one.

[@JungleScene]

such an underrated song

[@RC32Smiths01]

Alternative tunings practically unlock an entire new level of songwriting. There is an endless amount of tunings, making them so worthwhile!

[@bordershader]

I am irrationally very grateful someone knows the difference between 'alternate' and 'alternative' and used the correct one but torn as I'm not a fan of being critical of others' use of language when at the end of the day I know what's meant 🤔🥴

[@stratcat688]

Chris Cornell’s ‘Seasons’ is one of my faves. Of all time.

[@MozTheBoz]

Yeh I would've chosen that or The Day I tried To Live. Black Hole Sun is just drop D

[@JendaHrbac]

Many Soundgarden songs have a great alt tuning but Burden uses it to the fullest in my opinion.

[@rll1971]

Absofrigginlutly!

[@cascadienne634]

Same. Never loses its impact

[@leeboulineau8100]

@@MozTheBoz I'm a fan of "Head Down"..............unusual tuning there!

[@joshwhite2764]

Love that Zep makes the list, but Rain Song is a must-have on this list IMO

[@powerpeanut8865]

Dire Straits - Romeo and Juliet Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D) with Capo on 3

[@pigeonoverlord9433]

I was JUST about the comment this yes I second that

[@phenom0990]

You can also play it at standard tuning

[@alejandropessini4097]

Yesss, and also In the Heartland, by Knopfler, wich is in the same tuning, very fun to play :D

[@trevrawlings9020]

100%

[@christianknutli6880]

The Rain Song should be on this list, I seriously thought that would be number one

[@alk3myst]

Chris Cornell was a hard loss. His voice and his playing were both legends.

[@elusive_mg]

YES!

[@nickmcnellis3937]

Of all the greats we lost over the last 10 years Cornell and Tom Petty were devastating.

[@gabrielpaiva9070]

@@nickmcnellis3937 Although he wasn't a guitarist, Chester Bennington's loss was a hard hit too.

[@samuelmartin8650]

@@nickmcnellis3937 what about Eddie van Halen and Jeff Beck

[@trevorciongoli]

“Seasons” by Chris Cornell is one of the best alternate tuning songs ever IMHO.

[@procraft]

I think he barely made a song in standard tuning.

[@Irishmule169]

Agreed.. Chris wrote that tune off the cuff too.. amazing talent

[@jaredjamesimages]

I love that song so much

[@KrushKrills]

thats definitely cornells best solo song by far, singles soundtrack had a lot of good tunes

[@michaelnorris5838]

@@RicardoAldana1988 so drop d 432? He didn't say the tuning for it in the video, I had always thought out was drop d

[@chrisjamison6664]

Rick Beato owes us a “what makes this song great” for the rain song. I was shocked when it wasn’t on his top 20 ballad songs of all time and I’m even more shocked it’s not on this list. One of pages and zeppelins most creative songs and off of their most inventive album. The version live in 73 is something I’ll never forget hearing for the first time. The sound he gets is so haunting yet so magical. Nothing like it.

[@Spectre4913]

Zep is hard because they take down a slot of vids of their stuff. He made a ramble on vid awhile back so maybe he can get them to do another song.

[@erikbarrett85]

When I saw The Song Remains The Same for the first time I was permanently moved. Up there w my LotR, Dark Side of the Rainbow, and Live at Pompeii experiences

[@justinshuttleworth6319]

Agreed it would be awesome to hear a breakdown of the rain song

[@jorgemendoza325]

I think exactly like you about the list with the ballads and this one. On the album is amazing as a composition but not too difficult to play, but the live version you are talking about has this explosion of energy at the end... I got the tab for the live version, we got a video on youtube with an amazin cover of the song... but I have never been able to play it properly without overthinking and get the feeling. Someday!!!

[@jorgemendoza325]

@@jblglw is standard tuning

[@ChaSin78]

Man, Rick is the positivity and love that the world needs more of right now. I am NEVER disappointed in any of the content. Much love!

[@jetydosa1]

It's not just Rick that's positive. This is one of the few comment sections where everyone is respectful and enjoying the music

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@jetydosa1 Correct you are, Gary! I've commented on that several times here. Easily the most positive comments on any channel I'm subscribed to. Even mildly acerbic comments stick out like a sore thumb. Even with a well deserved near two million subs, Rick still takes the time to check out what we have to say. amazing!

[@1mlb704]

@@jetydosa1 great point. The comment sections on Rick's videos are the best I've seen of any music related channel or page

[@ewancoulbeckmusic]

Elliott Smith had some great open c songs, ballad of big nothing and speed trials are great examples

[@DSBenevides]

“RAIN SONG” from Zeppelin would be on my list.

[@gabrielpaschke9208]

Oh the smile that popped on my face as soon as I heard you playing "I stay away" by Alice in Chains...

[@robertsgarlata4085]

Same. Great tune!

[@exactlywhatisaid]

genius underrated song

[@tfranzini]

Same! Such a great song from a great band

[@ZakAmbrose]

LOVE that track!

[@owenphillips6421]

I love that their songs do that to me. Depressing for the most part but inspiring and honest, too.

[@UnivBarcelona]

Imo The Rain Song shouldve been number 1. Also from Led Zep!

[@NickTarterOKC]

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes is one of my favorite all time songs. The harmonies are absolutely stunning.

[@blbtube]

Funny this is Rick's 1st mention of CSN...hello?

[@rogerpbsmusic]

Agreed ✌️

[@alessandrogeirola]

It's so incredible that almost every rock list can be filled with Zeppelin songs.

[@RafaelMesBal]

Always wonder what would come out in the 80s, while robert and jpj were more inclined to pop along with the hard rock rock of jimmy and bonzo, they seemed to be maturing a lot

[@giacomomartelli5771]

That's the reason why they are the best band ever.

[@EthanJamesMOJO]

@@RafaelMesBal I read somewhere that Page stated the next album to come was gonna be worked on by himself and Bonham, wanting to do an album similar to “Led Zeppelin II.” If only we would have gotten to hear that album. I can only imagine it’s power with Zep’s new mature sound

[@RafaelMesBal]

@@EthanJamesMOJO yeah cause ITTOD was done majorly by jpj and robert, i really like it, but if jimmy weren’t so bad in heroin I think i would be a little different

[@HipsterDoofus100]

@@RafaelMesBal that album blows

[@rockesaccone6374]

I’d like to vote for The Rain Song by Led Zeppelin. One of my favorites!

[@deepsix1827]

The Rain Song - Zeppelin Fearless - Pink Floyd.

[@bryancoffey3842]

Yes, Fearless!!!!!

[@renehettinga6610]

I learned the rainsong years ago but fearless i always did in standard tuning.. Gotto revisit that one and see.

[@mr.beaverchair3622]

"Fearless" is awesome, but "Poles Apart" takes the cakes for me as far as Pink Floyd is concerned.

[@cortmiller]

My two favorite alternate tunes songs right there man. Also my favorite to play!

[@duanehealing5965]

When I was first learning guitar I would play Fearless in open E, which made it so dead simple even I could render a recognizable version.

[@jimberjamber8540]

So basically what you're saying is Joni Mitchell created Drop C tuning and subsequently created the genre of Metalcore.

[@ianshaw1486]

He said nothing of the kind. He said it was one of the best alternate tuning songs (in his opinion) and that she used that tuning. He said nothing about her being the originator.

[@jimberjamber8540]

@@ianshaw1486 I know dude I’m joking lol

[@StefanMedici]

I know you guys think you're joking, but ask a few of those guys who their influences were and I guarantee Joni's name comes up a lot. MJK mentions her a hell of a lot as an influence.

[@sconnieboy1348]

Haha yep, and KoRn and Slipnot perfected it. Or just did it pretty well.

[@triad5766]

@@sconnieboy1348 - pretty sure slipknot played/play in drop b most of the time

[@mankepoot9440]

According to my guitar teacher i always play in some alternate tuning.

[@andreasd1132]

I was expecting to see Joni Mitchell's "Hejira" on this list. Bizarre tuning, fantastic tune.

[@griffa00]

0:38 she talks to angels - the black crowes (E B E G# B E) 1:55 iris - the goo goo dolls (B D D D D D) 2:52 burden in my hand - soundgarden (C G C G G E) 4:07 gimmie shelter - the rolling stones (E B E G# B E) 5:33 suite: judy blue eyes - crosby, stills & nash (E E E E B E) 6:31 the chain - fleetwood mac (D A D G B D) 7:31 black hole sun - soundgarden (D G C F A D) 7:56 amelia - joni mitchell (C G C E G C) 9:03 unchained - van halen (Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) 10:03 heart shaped box - nirvana (Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) 10:22 daughter - pearl jam (D G D G B D) 10:36 i stay away - alice in chains (Db Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) 11:01 kashmir - led zeppelin (D A D G A D)

[@DinizFreddie]

Up

[@schminker0278]

That Black Hols Sun tuning correct?

[@griffa00]

@@schminker0278 Since he didn't show the tuning in the video I searched it up and took the tuning from the most popular tab, and it checks out with what he's actually playing so it should be correct! :)

[@gratao25]

@@schminker0278 I believe it's Drop C#

[@neo778]

Thanks for the list to jump into the songs!

[@Ritzyl]

Three of the most iconic Grunge bands on the Honorable mentions? Wow! Glad they still made that list!

[@justin070809]

It always pissed me off cause when I tried to learn songs by ear, years ago, I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t match tones and chords

[@Jukkala]

I tried to play Stones songs in standard tuning for years. Obviously, this was before the internet.

[@justin070809]

@@Jukkala yep the internet changed everything for guitarists

[@stevedennis6044]

Yep me too! Struggled for years to play bronyaur then found the correct tuning🙄🙄🙄🙄🧐

[@mrrnrob]

Played in DADGAD tuning, which Page had previously used on the Yardbirds' “White Summer” and Led Zeppelin's “Black Mountain Side,” “Kashmir”

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

you mean Bert Jansch and Davey Graham

[@zosomoso]

@@JulioLeonFandinho neither of which belong to Bert or Graham. They are traditional tunes that are hundreds of years old.

[@picax8398]

Black mountain side is an awesome song

[@jimmycampbell78]

Neither Bert nor Davey ‘invented’ DADGAD. It originated in traditional Celtic folk music.

[@ostrichman]

Er....Davey Graham did invent DADGAD though.

[@Billy_Buono]

If the Rain Song isn't on this I'm going to cry. Edit: I am currently crying.

[@AaronB99999]

I was going to write that exact thing.

[@TheUnmitigatedDawn]

I’ll give you some tissues

[@russellnotestine6436]

Kashmir as well (DADGAD)

[@Billy_Buono]

@@TheUnmitigatedDawn Thank you 😭

[@anthonyfelker1712]

I thought ‘The Rain Song,’ would be on here. Most definitely!

[@Jesterzero138]

Half the joy of watching these videos, is seeing, and hearing, alle the different guitars that Rick brings out.

[@grantbentley4177]

Yes, the Martin HD-28 is the axe I play.

[@gagefraw3182]

I know there’s not a lot of love for post-punk and proto-grunge on this channel but Sonic Youth’s ‘Teenage Riot’ is really one of the best uses of alternate tunings by the best band that uses them!

[@5metalacid1]

I Stay Away! So glad it was mentioned, even if not on the list. Such an amazing and underrated guitar part. I often put that track on and let that beginning 20 second 12 string lick play and then start it over and listen to it a few more times.

[@scumbucket555]

As soon as rick played that part the 3rd time around I instantly went "YEAHH HEYAYEAH"

[@danjwalker]

Gimme Shelter Beato: Here’s the theory Richards: I woke up one morning and the riff was on me tape recorder

[@rex8958]

I always get a laugh when people talk theory about some of these old rock songs, Joe Walsh said on Life's Been Good he just threw stuff together that sounded, tons of different keys

[@SlyHikari03]

Same. How songs should be written, by jamming.

[@HipsterDoofus100]

That was “satisfaction”

[@damienmaccearnaigh7958]

You don't need a smart brain if you've got smart ears.

[@rex8958]

@@damienmaccearnaigh7958 and that has been proven countless times, some of the biggest hits are just people fooling around on guitar or in jam sessions

[@stuartgerger7828]

Rick, Thank you for all your work in sharing these. Your heartfelt enthusiasm for all the guitarists shines through. Always brings me a smile. Best to you!

[@mkaris1484]

Rick it had to be hard to leave “Seasons” from Cornell off the list. Number one IMO

[@chopper4484]

Agree Chris Cornell's finest song. Heard him play it twice live on his solo tours amazing.

[@ThorstenKBlock]

I agree. Such a beautiful Song. And he played it on his Channel.

[@saidoterodiseno]

I knew that song because of the movie Man of Steel and I just had to look for it as soon as I left the theater, it's amazing

[@randoshus3762]

Main reason to have the Singles soundtrack.

[@chopper4484]

@@randoshus3762 Favourite soundtrack by a very long way. The Poncier songs + Touch Me I'm Dick means it's worth getting the extended version.

[@jon112384]

Zeppelin - Rain song and Bron yr Aur stomp Stones - Moonlight mile Floyd - Fearless

[@Redwaterpnw]

Yeah bro fearless and rain song definitely should’ve been on here

[@springcreekfarmer]

Not to mention that there is a whole school of Irish / Celtic songs that use alternate tunings like DADGAD. They are amazingly beautiful.

[@AZIZAxBLUE]

Everyone in Soundgarden is an absolute genius, how did they come up with such great music?! 🖤🤘🏽

[@ROccam-fp9jx]

They broke the rusty cage of standard chords

[@bezerk3405]

Soundgarden can too man they have the weirdest tunings

[@aquamarine99911]

Joni Mitchell is the reigning monarch of alternate tunings. What she did for "Turn Me On, I'm a Radio" is just gorgeous.

[@zesvo]

Big Yellow Taxi, Both Sides Now.

[@isomeme]

It's hard to find one of her songs that's *not* in an alternate tuning. In an interview, she laughingly referred to "Joni's weird chords".

[@mightyV444]

I would've been mightily disappointed had she not been in Mr B's list! 🙂

[@ingrahan]

Led Zeppelin: Rain song / Bron-Y-Aur Stomp Radiohead: Jig Saw Falling Into Place/ Reckoner Nick Drake: Cello Song / Pink Moon

[@zepmelon]

Or Bron-Y-Aur off of Physical Graffiti

[@guncreep9905]

Bron y'r aur !!!

[@DMSProduktions]

@@zepmelon Off.

[@MillicentOak]

I first read the title as "Top 10 alternate tunings of all time" and got hyped for a list of 10 Joni Mitchell songs

[@NicolaLarosa]

This. "I wonder which 10 Joni Mitchell songs he chose..." :-)

[@brendonmurley8276]

Spot on, Millicent - couldn’t agree more!

[@jrzez]

The Goo Goo Dolls and Johnny Rzeznik are yes, underrated. His tunings were great. And maybe not typically beautiful, his unique voice allows you to pick out any song he sings in.

[@TimPachecoGuitar]

The Doors’ “The End” in double drop D tuning. Any number of songs by Nick Drake.

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

The end is in dadgad as is a lot of Nick's songs

[@jakeandhenryvideos]

@@nihilistlivesmatter nope, the end is in DADGBD

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

@@jakeandhenryvideos The truth is only Krieger would know if he played it in Double drop D or Dadgad, but what I would say is the song is based on a D5 chord (ie not major or minor) & as 'a' if the fifth of 'g' utilising open strings as drones. As B is the sixth in the D major scale and Bb the sixth in D minor having a B as an open string would be counterproductive as Robby plays major, minor (especially harmonic minor) & dorian lines within the song. So it makes sense it was written & conceived in dadgad the logically recorded in it. & to be honest when you can hear the tonality of harmonic minor dorian & dadgad it becomes pretty pretty obvious.

[@jakeandhenryvideos]

@@nihilistlivesmatter In many of their performances of the End, at least the ones on video, Robby can clearly be seen fretting B at the 3rd fret and G at the second, to create the D5 you mentioned. He pulls away from B at the third to B at the second to create the motif heard throughout the song. Also in the lead up to all the versions of The End I have, where Robby tunes to Ray’s organ, he only drops his high and low E’s to D. Giving us DADGBD. Finally there is a reason every single tab, tutorial, and songbook has the tuning notated as DADGBD, since it’s the way it was written.

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

@@jakeandhenryvideos got any links to these performances or robby tuning up? There are tabs & tutorials out there with versions in standard tuning does that mean it was written in standard? if I find a ukulele tutorial does it mean it was written in a ukulele? Nonsense aside, there are tabs for Gimme shelter & Jumping Jack Flash out there, (not 'amateur' tabs but from major publishers) that notate them in standard & open G tunings when they're quite clearly in open E. When a transcriber transcribes a song they have a recording, their ears & likely their instrument, they don't have a time machine & access to sunset records studio to verify the tuning used.

[@officialbonzo]

Rain Song :(. Kashmir is so good and powerfull, but Rain Song is one of the most beautiful songs ever

[@J20M]

That’s the way: Zeppelin

[@trevormachadomusic4827]

my guy! I was about to comment this! along with bron-y-aur

[@BrunoPereira-cb9gg]

If I had to put 2 songs from the same band in the video, I would definitily choose That's The Way and The Rain Song!!!

[@יהונתןקור]

Sooooo underrateeddddd

[@danielcarmichael8961]

@@trevormachadomusic4827 Bron-y-aur gives me goosebumps just typing about it!

[@juliusmillermusic]

This is the way

[@chrisbergsvik9363]

A lot of the alternate tunings on Soundgarden records can be attributed to bassist Ben Shepherd as well. Head Down on "Superunknown" has the same tuning that Burden in my Hand and Pretty Noose have on their subsequent record.

[@PauliHeisenberg]

Headmaster Ritual by The Smiths is what got into open tunings. Love Johnny Marr's chord progressions

[@benday1218]

thanks man, I hoped someone would say that one, a lot of fun to play, just feels right.

[@aarongonter5782]

Was looking for this comment! Learned this song during the Lockdown by watching a video Johnny Marr posted. Such a great song and really cool chords.

[@BossNotes]

Was sure the “ Rain Song “ was gonna be at least top 5 , but not on the list ? The tuning was done jimmy page, and to my knowledge isn’t use in any other musical arrangement. Keep up the great content my friend !

[@MStaynor]

When I think of alternative tunings, I always think of Genesis's stuff. Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford seemed to use different 12-string tunings everytime they used them, personal favs being "The Musical Box" and "The Cinema Show"

[@boblob2003]

So different that Rutherford said in an interview that he couldn't remember them when it came time to do the reuion tour!

[@Syfoll]

Funny you mention Tony, instead of Steve, or Ant

[@ROccam-fp9jx]

They even took the strings out of octave with each other somewhere!

[@Syfoll]

@@ROccam-fp9jx On the Cinema Show and the Musical Box

[@cameronliddy1230]

Throughout this whole list I was thinking about Pearl Jam's daughter so I'm glad it got an honourable mention. A great song in open E is The Headmaster Ritual by The Smiths, really great guitar work. Also, in open d half step down, Over Now by Alice In Chains. And one more I would say is The End by The Doors in double drop d. Great list, love the soundgarden choices

[@richardbeshwate5356]

Rain song, A Case of You, and all The Rolling Stones!

[@Fartman71]

"Friends" by Led Zeppelin uses C A C G C E.

[@tkokesh]

Yeah, Zeppelin used this C6 tuning on several songs, including “Bron-Yr-Aur” on Physical Graffiti.

[@EasyBreather000]

Hi David, 'Friends' tuning is : CGCGCE open Cmajor. Bron-Y-Aur is CACGCE C6 or even A minor (-) 7

[@Fartman71]

@@EasyBreather000 The source I first found showed the CACGCE tuning, and on further looking, others show the same. However, others also show the open C tuning you mention.

[@crouchingtiger9108]

Surely Bron-Yr-aur is worthy of being on the list. Fantastic song.

[@soysaucehairdye7869]

probably the song that got me into alt tunings and helped me discover Nick Drake.

[@mitchellharris8909]

Ooh, that's a good one.

[@timharrington4470]

CACGCE

[@TomStrahle]

At NAMM 2020 I was at the G7th Capo Booth when my wife spied Rick just perusing down one of the aisles and as I started to run after him fan-boying all the way the G7th rep gave me a capo to give to Rick. When I handed it to him he was blown away by this modest gesture. We had quick chat about his son Dylan, playing oud and pop music. Very nice and humble guy. That capo I believe makes an appearance in this video. Pretty cool.

[@Watchdogger]

When I saw alternate tuning I thought "If he includes Joni Mitchel he is the man". You are indeed the man.

[@Watchdogger]

@@j_freed Ha. No, just that when I think of alternate tunings I think of Mitchell's Coyote as being one of the first ones I had heard.

[@CarolMatzPiano]

@@j_freed LOL 2 of the best shows (period) that I've ever been to were Ani in 1999 and 2000 when she had that full band with Steely-Dan like horn lines. Then she got annoying. Or, went back to being annoying? Incredible talent!

[@jeffkiefer6972]

Joni and the replacements then he’s the man...Kidding he’s still the man!

[@dokterdon]

The Rain Song, Bron-Yr-Aur, When The Levee Breaks, Black Mountain Side - Led Zeppelin

[@jarrodsorensen2890]

When the levee breaks is one if the best songs ever made.

[@dougbooth3161]

The Rain Song is absolutely beautiful!

[@miguelnostress7809]

@@jarrodsorensen2890 agree, great song!! When The Levee Breaks for me is the best Zeppelin song!

[@pietrosmusi3081]

Going to California

[@lucashenry7293]

Dancing Days has some awesome chord voicings too, using alternate G tuning:).

[@SecularProphet1968]

Love you Rick but no, "The Rain Song?" Not just an awe inspiring utilization of alternate tuning but, in this humble Zeppelin junky's opinion, the best song in their entire catalogue. Yes, these are bold claims but isn't that why an opinion is such a beautiful thing? Lol. Love your channel man. I've learned more about theory in the 6 months since I discovered it than the 30 years of playing prior to my discovery.

[@leonardosmaniotto]

The Rain Song is so beautiful! One of my favorite songs of all times! Melody and lyrics blended perfectly together.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Rain Song top ten Zep for me but my top pick would have to probably be "That's The Way". Of course that could change tomorrow.:-)

[@jacobahner7214]

I just wanna say how much I appreciate the time that went into retuning all your guitars to make this 14 minute video.

[@gpeterson999]

Glad you put "I Stay Away" in there. Also that Joni Mitchell was the mother of alternate tuning. Definitely number one was number one. Loved it. Great list

[@DesertRat332]

My favorite is "That's the Way" by Led Zeppelin. It uses a G tuning.

[@ricktodd9767]

Bruce Cockburn uses some amazing tunings and his one man show using delay pedals and loopers is crazy good. A genius lyrically and musically

[@pjfee]

He is probably not mainstream enough for this list, but he is a great talent. I really enjoy his Speechless album where you can hear his virtuosity on the acoustic guitar.

[@Kenneth_Mac_Pherson]

"If I had a rocket launcher ... some son of a bi*ch would die ..."

[@blbtube]

Bruce Cockburn!!! Incredible guitarist!!!

[@austerereligiousscholar2314]

Imagine my shock and dismay at not finding "The Rain Song" on this list. What's going on?

[@satyajeetpatil8177]

Burden in my Hand is definitely one of the most underrated songs of all time

[@MrLump]

I kind of hate it. I don’t know why.

[@DennisReichel]

It's a little grim...

[@williamcampbell7387]

First song that I recognized as in alternate tuning was The Doors' "The End." Then I saw Page solo "White Summer" at the1969 Atlanta Pop Festival .

[@whoathatsanicememe3093]

You played "She Talks to Angels" so beautifully here. I've always loved that song.

[@cleanhit777]

I'd love to see you do a piece on Nick Drake, I don't try think he ever used standard tuning?

[@cookingwithsimon]

I second that, Nick was awesome. Was scrolling to see someone mention him and didn't have to scroll too far!

[@bergsund51]

Would love to hear a “What makes this song great” on any Drake song, but Chime of a city clock or Riverman would be my top picks alongside One of these things first.

[@AntalvanHassel]

One is able to play "day is done" in normal tuning I thought, with a capo on the 5th fret.... ;) So, still different tuning? But I think he may have tuned his guitar WAY up for that one. I don't dare trying to tune my first string that high!

[@markredford84]

@@baikarber i play it in standard

[@fozzle6503]

Was just about to say this, Rick's love of 90s rock is on show again (not that there's anything wrong with that!). I reckon Nick Drake deserves some attention at least.

[@JasonM96]

Two others I really enjoy are Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” (double drop D) and English Beat’s “Save It for Later” ( DADAAD).

[@matthewfierro3134]

"Statesboro Blues" in open E -- and "Little Martha" -Duane Allman - just wow.

[@ZacCostilla]

He needs a top ten slide guitar rock songs list

[@wildeyedherman3102]

Him and Johnny Winter

[@XxSkydog71xX]

Yep, those songs are better than others on this list in my opinion

[@etamommy]

Agree with you on Kashmir - stunningly great song and I love the Mid-Eastern part. Played it great by the way!

[@steveelling9604]

I love Can't You Hear Me Knocking. Makes me drive too fast, every time.

[@leonl1559]

my favorite riff by keef

[@gratao25]

Me too!

[@alans423]

Yeah. Love the drumming on that one too.

[@SanguineYoru]

Really surprised The Rain Song didn't make the list, or even an honorable mention!

[@johnlarsen2766]

Led Zeppelin: “The rain song”, “Black mountainside”, “Nobody’s fault but mine”. Soundgarden: Spoonman.

[@coldwar45]

Spoonman is in Drop D, it was in his Drop D video.

[@gerryboyd178]

Black Mountainside was nicked from Black Waterside by Bert Jansch. Same with the apparent 'Zeppelin' song White Summer which was lifted from a thing done by a guy call Davey Graham (Graham was already using DADGAD tunings)

[@michaelnorris5838]

Spoon man and outshined but their both drop d so they're not qualified

[@timjonesguitar]

Nobody's Fault but mine, alternate tuning?

[@nosferatu6633]

@@timjonesguitar no

[@terryamstutz4648]

Kashmir on the Danelectro! You Rock Rick! First electric guitar I bought my son. He still has it. The same 59.

[@JJukstratfan]

I love all of those songs. I think Nick Drake must be mentioned whenever you talk alternate tunings. Another star that burned too bright and tragically went out too early.

[@kylewalker9062]

I’m liking every Nick comment I can find. He is the Van Gogh of alternate tunings.

[@NorCal7477]

Huge miss by Rick beato. I guess Rick is not even perfect

[@PureJadeKid]

Maybe Rick can make a video “Top Ten Alternate Tunings of Nick Drake.”

[@matthewcullen3034]

Was gonna say this but.......Sonic Youth ? John Martyn?? John Fahey ?? Bert Jansch ?? Richard Thompson ?? Glenn Jones ?? Davey Graham ?? John Renbourn ??

[@liammiranda3304]

I would've expected "The Rain Song" at number one but at least its a Zeppelin song.

[@StuartConsulting]

I’ll add Friends by Led Zep, it shows Jimmy Page thinking way outside the box, getting a drone like Middle Eastern sound, and of course Robert Plant was brilliant on vocals.

[@opheliajade1986]

Yes excellent example.

[@phantom3oh9]

Agreed!

[@BaBaBooeyWRLD]

Really miss Chris Cornell and I fired up “I Stay Away” immediately. Cool Tim Pierce story.

[@LifeAnimations]

OH

[@peterm5461]

some other alternate tunings: given to fly - pearl jam (dadgad) nearly every Nick Drake song (so cool) and my most favourite, most crazy tuning: Mind Riot - Soundgarden (EEEEEE - no kidding)

[@lucaswoytuski6482]

I knew would see Soundgarden or Cornell more than once Seasons, Limo Wreck and the entire Superunknown are just brilliant examples

[@worldnotworld]

The problem with this video is that the top ten alternate guitar tuning songs are in fact *all* by Joni Mitchell!

[@flyingp830]

Apparently David Crosby used to pick up Joni's guitar, strum it and say, "An alien's been playing this!"

[@PJErvin]

Not sure why I read Joni Mitchell and thought Joan Osborne.

[@byronofcalgary6985]

yup Joni had Polio which affected her ability to form chords .... so she changed tunings to suit her challenges She was one of the first to embrace the Synthaxe because you could dial up tunings...

[@sunlion8866]

Thought for sure when I heard Rick mention Joni Mitchell, it would be ''Big Yellow Taxi''

[@neilhoggard1]

@@sunlion8866 I thought it would be "Both Sides Now", but then I remembered @Rick did a WMTSG episode featuring "Amelia", so it made sense in a way

[@ubergusterfan1]

Such an amazing song, Kashmir. I was almost very upset it wasn't on the list.

[@natdm77]

Maybe he's saving The Rain Song for number 1 on the "Top 10 Songs that criminally never feature on any Beato Top Song lists, for reasons unknown."

[@kennethchartrand4251]

Man that's a good one.... love it. Rick really should do it.

[@djv164]

Hey the opening riff on "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" is soooo heavy I really think you need to amend this list Rick!! Love you buddy such great work ...!!!

[@jordandangelo180]

One of the best rock n roll riffs ever imho. It just has heavy rock n roll swagger and vibe and it’s always been my favorite Stones riff.

[@markmoll5407]

Front half of tune is riffy-licous boogey, and back half is super hippie heady. Awesome tune all the way through.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I'm honestly surprised that nothing from Sonic Youth was in here, that band has some of the weirdest tunings I've ever seen and it still baffles me how they achieve them

[@lawnshark025]

Sonic Youth is "the" alternate tuning band. Thurston and Lee are so creative. Unwound have some great tunings as well

[@andrewpappas9311]

@@lawnshark025 Yeah, their tunings are definitely cool

[@DonnyZofChaos]

I was expecting them on here 100% to the point I thought Teenage Riot would be #1

[@philipkeogh]

Would love to see Rick do a whole video on Sonic Youth

[@randoshus3762]

I think at the end it baffled them, too.

[@bystarlight5]

Mayonaise by Smashing Pumpkins is one of my favorites. The tuning is low to high E, Bb, Bb, Gb, Bb, D.

[@DroomSpook]

“Cemetry Gates” or “The Headmaster Ritual” by The Smiths

[@moralcompass3252]

@@BudSchnelker My favorite Smiths tune.

[@samuelmorse784]

No gays sorry

[@DroomSpook]

@@samuelmorse784 Homophobia cannot defeat brilliant uses of open tunings performed by a straight man. Nice try, though.

[@thomasradford9830]

@@samuelmorse784 what's wrong with you?

[@razorio007]

Stop me if you think you've heard this alternate tuning before

[@ДимаОглы-ш7п]

"Clementine" "Independence Day" "Satellite" "Roman Candle" "Coast to Coast" "Almost Over" "Alphabet Town" "No name #5" by Elliott Smith

[@DanielBoonelight]

independence day is just so freakin good...

[@ДимаОглы-ш7п]

@@DanielBoonelight agree!

[@igorfadeev4707]

I'm dissapointed you haven't included The Rain Song in the list.

[@seanclarke6733]

Reheheeaaally sad

[@wakitakiwakitaki]

He can’t play it.

[@alexribeiro4934]

My thoughts exactly! Still, loved the list

[@jeffgrummons2954]

You could easily fill the whole list with Soundgarden songs, but Mind Riot is another great one for this list.

[@ROccam-fp9jx]

Had that one on the brain lately!

[@StringBender]

“Cinnamon Girl” needs to be mentioned!

[@jeffjodibrent]

Several Nick Drake songs came to mind, like "From the Morning" and "Time of No Reply".

[@ProvineStudios]

Nick Drake - The Haunting Beauty of guitar players. Nothing like him before or since.

[@faerae666]

I came here to give Nick Drake a shoutout. So thanks for doing it first!!! For me the pinnacle of his alternate tunings was Fly(BEBEBE). Absolutely heart crushing. ❤️

[@jeffjodibrent]

@@ProvineStudios haunting beauty - you got that right. What a combination of melancholy and delicacy!

[@jeffjodibrent]

@@faerae666 "Fly" and "Road" are two of my other favorites. In fact, it's hard to pick a favorite...there's something for every mood and every hour of the day. I've always liked "From the Morning" because it's uncharacteristically hopeful amid the melancholy.

[@steveelling9604]

Another crazy-tuned fave of mine: "Stay With Me" by the Faces. That song smokes. It was adrenaline on vinyl.

[@davidfhayes]

"I'm Losing You" - Absolutely manic jagged-nerve intro

[@MelloGee33]

I'm 58 years old, and I've been one of the biggest fans of pretty much ALL rock and roll music since I was a toddler back in the 1960's when my young parents jammed A.M. Top 20 radio hits around the house. I always thought I was quite the "expert" on rock music trivia, until I discovered Rick Beato. I've gotten quite the 'education' from him and Eddie Trunk over the years, I must say.

[@iflyifr]

I’m glad that you will be doing a “What makes this song great” on the Rain Song. There’s no way you left that off of this list by mistake.

[@ericpatenaude]

The Cinema Show by Genesis is pretty special too. 12-string acoustic with some pairs tuned in 5th and 4th! Beautiful!

[@vratyadeleon1928]

Right you are !

[@joelestes2257]

Bravo!

[@eatingsound373]

Some other great ones are: Pearl Jam - Oceans Alice In Chains - Over Now Basically all of Elliott Smith's discography.

[@colehurst4164]

Pearl Jam oceans 🌊 🤘💯 such a simple and short song but so good

[@opheliajade1986]

Yes ELLIOTT SMITH!!!!

[@aymericmurer56]

I just spent 10 minutes scrolling at the comments hoping someone would mention Over Now, now thank you!

[@JVDigital1979]

So glad I found your channel. Been a guitarist for years, but hadn't played for about 10 years, until recently again. Your knowledge of music and ability on the guitar...for lack of a better term...ROCKS! Keep up the good work man!

[@damienfaure8739]

"Guinnever" by Crosby, Stills and nash. "Cinnamon girl" by Neil Young.