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. Additional regions would include Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and other

To distinguish the major and minor features of the presented tunings. One can use triads to figure out which fits best when it comes to the description of the tunings For example the Open G tuning D G D G B D features the recognizable triad of G B D or 1 / 3 / 5 presenting a major chord when strummed. The Open G Minor tuning has a triad of G Bb D or 1 / 3b / 5. Triads are chords that only feature three musical notes. In which there are three types, major, seventh and minor. This principle of using triads to figure out tunings can be used to determine the key the tuning is in. The tunings are classified according to name, pitch, tuning and region.

Yaravi tunings are reentrant; they belong to the same family of tunings as the standard guitar E A D G B E tuning. What separates the tunings from the standard is the A string is often tuned to a flat or a sharp. These tunings are primarily played in both Baulin and Yaravi genres.

The diablo (devil) tunings are tuned with both sharps and flats present in the tunings. These tunings are played in both Bolivia and Peru.