If the entire guitar is tuned up or down relative to standard, then you simply shift everything up or down the appropriate amount intervals. I cover how to play all 12 diatonic major & minor scales in three main patterns in these tutorials.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/2643/
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/2646/
If any one or more strings is tuned up or down a different amount than the others (drop D, open G, etc.) then you just have to adjust the patterns for that string(s). That's more a matter of learning, practice & familiarity.
Yes, everyone should play in the same key together.
Hope that helps.
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for this. It does help with understanding the practical aspects of alternative tuning.
However, conceptually, I might be missing something here.
Why would a musician want to do that (tune the guitar to a different standard)?
I can guess that shifting the standard tuning up or down has more to do with the vocal range, so the band doesn't need to "re-learn" the song. Same shape and alternative tuning. Not sure if I guessed this one right. But I can't understand the practical use of, let's say, a drop D, Open G.
Thanks in advance Christopher.