Gorton Center - Lake Forest, IL - Alternate Guitar Tunings Workshop

Alternate Guitar Tunings Workshop

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Alternate Guitar Tunings Workshop

with Pierce Pettis

Wed, August 6
7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm

Pierce Pettis and guitar

Time

Wed, August 06, 2025 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Pricing

$40

Location

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045

Explore Alternate Guitar Tunings with Pierce Pettis

Discover the unique alternate guitar tunings used by legendary artists like Keith Richards, Leo Kottke, Joni Mitchell, Lindsey Buckingham, and Bob Dylan. This hands-on workshop welcomes both beginners and experienced players.

Pierce will guide you through six specific tunings – from the simple “drop D” to a distinctive minor tuning created exclusively for this course. For each tuning, you’ll receive chord diagrams, creative variations (such as using the 1 or 5 chord as the root or tonic), and one or two songs to play using that tuning.

You’ll also get access to downloadable lessons for each tuning, along with additional resources and a wealth of bonus content – including a 96-page Alternate Tuning Guide featuring dozens more tunings to explore.

Bring your guitar (we recommend light/medium strings: 12, 16, 24, 35, 45, 56 gauge), and a laptop or tablet to access your materials. If possible, we can share links in advance so you can bring a printed copy or use your own device during the workshop.

Don’t miss your chance to see Pierce in person in our Stuart Room on July 27!

Pierce is a Compass Records Group recording artist, previously on Windham Hill/High Street. He began his career at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama. He’s also a former staff writer at Polygram and Universal Music Publishing in Nashville, with songs covered by Garth Brooks, Art Garfunkel, Joan Baez, David Wilcox, Dar Williams, Tim O’Brien, Dion and many others.

Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.

At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.

Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.

Refunds will only be given up to one week prior to the first week of class of any session. (The refund period for some classes, which require advanced reservations or purchase of materials, may be more limited.) Cancellations will incur a $5 handling fee for programs costing under $100 and a 10% handling fee for programs with fees of $100 or more. If a class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified, and a full refund will be given.

If this class does not meet the minimum participation requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation within one week of the start date.

Details

Date:
Wed, August 6
Time:
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
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Phone
(847) 234-6060