The alternate tunings presented here are found throughout the rest of the world under a wide variety of names. Tunings are classified according to region and country where they are known to be played in. If a letter x is placed where a known pitch is to be, this means the string is omitted or removed, for example drop G – D G D G B D would become G – x G B G B E.

A set of standard nylon strings are fine for a classical guitar. One can detune these tunings to a lower key if they find the strings are too tight of a tension for some of these tunings. These tunings can be played on acoustic guitar and electric guitar as well. Most of the tunings displayed on this page from South America, Africa and Asia.