Open D tuning is one of the most resonant, versatile, and player-friendly alternate tunings available to guitarists. Within the first few strums, the tuning transforms the guitar into a ringing, open-chord machine that resonates with warmth, depth, and simplicity. The intent of this guide is clear: to help you understand exactly what open D tuning is, how to set it up properly, and why countless musicians across genres—from blues legends to indie rock innovators—have relied on it for decades. For beginners, the biggest question is “How do I actually tune my guitar to Open D?” The answer is simple: you retune six strings to form a full D major chord (D-A-D-F#-A-D) when strummed open.
This article will explore its origins, provide a step-by-step tuning process, offer musical examples, highlight technical benefits, and provide tables for comparison with standard tuning. By the end, you’ll have not only the practical know-how to tune to Open D, but also the historical and creative context that explains why this tuning continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
What is Open D Tuning?
At its core, Open D tuning transforms the guitar’s open strings into a D major chord. The notes are:
- 6th string (low E) → tuned down to D
- 5th string (A) → stays at A
- 4th string (D) → stays at D
- 3rd string (G) → tuned down to F#
- 2nd string (B) → tuned down to A
- 1st string (high E) → tuned down to D
When strummed without fretting, the result is a perfect D major chord: D – A – D – F# – A – D.
Musicians appreciate it for its accessibility; chords and slide guitar passages become much easier, as one finger across the fretboard creates major chords at any position.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning to Open D
Here’s the exact process to retune your guitar:
- Start with standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E).
Make sure your guitar is in tune first. - Tune the 6th string (E) down to D.
Lower it a whole step. The pitch should match the 4th string (D) when played an octave apart. - Keep the 5th string (A) as it is.
This string already fits the Open D tuning. - Keep the 4th string (D) as it is.
No adjustments required here. - Tune the 3rd string (G) down to F#.
This is a half-step down. Compare it to the 4th string’s 4th fret to match F#. - Tune the 2nd string (B) down to A.
This is a whole step down. Compare it with the 5th string open A. - Tune the 1st string (E) down to D.
Lower it a whole step. It should match the 4th string D (two octaves higher). - Check by strumming all strings.
You should hear a D major chord ringing naturally.
Table: Standard Tuning vs. Open D Tuning
| String | Standard Tuning | Open D Tuning | Interval Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th | E | D | – Whole Step |
| 5th | A | A | Same |
| 4th | D | D | Same |
| 3rd | G | F# | – Half Step |
| 2nd | B | A | – Whole Step |
| 1st | E | D | – Whole Step |
Historical Background of Open D Tuning
Open tunings have deep roots in folk traditions. Open D, in particular, rose to prominence with Delta blues musicians in the early 20th century. Legends like Skip James, Son House, and later Mississippi Fred McDowell leaned on the tuning for its natural fit with slide guitar. The sound was raw, resonant, and perfectly suited for expressing the blues.
Rock musicians also embraced it. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones and Joni Mitchell expanded its scope, with Mitchell famously saying: “Alternate tunings are like having a whole new guitar handed to you.” Modern indie artists continue this tradition, finding that Open D provides lush voicings without complex fingerings.
Why Guitarists Love Open D
- Ease of major chords: One-finger barres instantly unlock harmonic possibilities.
- Perfect for slide guitar: Strings resonate naturally under the slide.
- Rich resonance: Lower tuning adds warmth and depth.
- Songwriting inspiration: Alternate tunings spark new ideas.
- Versatility: Works in blues, rock, folk, and even metal.
As guitarist Derek Trucks once said: “When you hit a chord in open tuning, it feels like the guitar breathes for you.”
Playing Chords in Open D
In Open D, the fretboard rearranges itself. Here are some basic chords:
- D major (open): No fingers needed.
- G major (5th fret barre): One finger across all strings at 5th fret.
- A major (7th fret barre): One finger across all strings at 7th fret.
- Bm (barre at 9th with minor adjustment): Add finger on 2nd string, 8th fret.
Table of common chords:
| Chord | Fingering in Open D | Sound Character |
|---|---|---|
| D Maj | Open strings | Bright, ringing |
| G Maj | Barre 5th fret | Full, resonant |
| A Maj | Barre 7th fret | Driving, strong |
| Bm | Barre + minor note | Dark, moody |
Techniques Enhanced by Open D
- Slide Guitar – The tuning is nearly synonymous with slide blues.
- Fingerpicking – Open strings drone while melodies flow.
- Strumming – Big, cinematic sounds ideal for folk ballads.
- Harmonics – Open D resonates with strong natural harmonics.
Quote from a teacher: “With open D, beginners suddenly sound like pros. It opens the door to confidence.”
Practical Tips for Tuning Accuracy
- Always use a digital tuner for precision.
- Tune slowly to avoid breaking strings when lowering pitch.
- After tuning, stretch strings gently to stabilize pitch.
- Double-check the intonation by fretting notes and comparing with open strings.
Famous Songs in Open D
- “Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell
- “Vaseline” – Stone Temple Pilots
- “Fearless” – Pink Floyd
- “She Talks to Angels” – The Black Crowes
- “Sometimes” – My Bloody Valentine
Each demonstrates the lush textures that only Open D can provide.
Open D for Beginners vs. Professionals
For beginners, Open D is a fast track to sounding advanced. The ability to strum a full chord with no effort creates instant satisfaction. For professionals, it is a gateway to experimentation—layering drones, creating alternate voicings, and reshaping familiar progressions into something fresh.
Table: Benefits of Open D by Skill Level
| Level | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Easy chords, inspiring resonance |
| Intermediate | Introduces slide and fingerstyle ideas |
| Advanced | Expands compositional and tonal palette |
Common Challenges
- Switching back to standard tuning may feel disruptive.
- Memorizing new chord shapes requires adjustment.
- Playing in keys other than D major/G major may feel restrictive without a capo.
But these challenges are often outweighed by the fresh creativity it inspires.
Step-by-Step Beginner Exercise in Open D
- Strum all strings open (D major).
- Place finger across 5th fret and strum (G major).
- Move to 7th fret and strum (A major).
- Practice sliding between frets while keeping pressure even.
This simple sequence forms the basis for hundreds of folk and blues songs.
Final Thoughts
Open D tuning is not merely an alternate arrangement of strings—it is a portal into a different musical universe. From its blues roots to its indie revival, it continues to captivate players for its simplicity and depth. As one guitarist put it: “Open D feels like the guitar was built for this tuning—it just sings.”
By following the step-by-step guide above, you can transform your instrument today. Tune, strum, and explore. The resonance will guide you forward.
FAQs
Q1: What strings should I tune down for Open D?
The 6th (E) to D, 3rd (G) to F#, 2nd (B) to A, and 1st (E) to D.
Q2: Is Open D bad for my guitar?
No. Lowering tension is safe, but always recheck intonation.
Q3: Do I need a capo with Open D?
Not required, but a capo helps you transpose quickly.
Q4: Can beginners use Open D?
Yes—chords are easier, making it ideal for learning songs quickly.
Q5: What genres use Open D most?
Primarily blues, folk, indie, and rock, though adaptable to many others.