Open D Guitar Tuning is an alternate tuning that unlocks a world of rich, resonant tones, particularly favored in blues, folk, and slide guitar music. This guide will walk you through understanding and achieving open D tuning, and explore why it’s such a powerful tool for guitarists.
Understanding Open D Tuning
In standard guitar tuning, the strings are tuned to E-A-D-G-B-e (from thickest to thinnest). Open D tuning, however, changes this configuration to D-A-D-F#-A-d. The key difference is that when you strum your guitar without fretting any strings in open D, you are playing a D major chord. This “open” sound is where the tuning gets its name.
To achieve open D tuning from standard tuning, you will need to tune three strings down:
- The 6th string (low E) is tuned down a whole step to D. This is the most dramatic change, lowering the bass significantly.
- The 1st string (high e) is tuned down a whole step to d. This mirrors the low E string adjustment, maintaining tonal balance.
- The 2nd string (B) is tuned down a whole step to A. This adjustment is crucial for creating the D major tonality.
The 5th (A), 4th (D), and 3rd (G) strings in standard tuning remain relatively the same in open D, although the G string effectively becomes F# in the context of the D major chord.
Why Explore Open D Tuning?
Guitarists are drawn to open D tuning for several compelling reasons:
- Blues and Slide Guitar: Open D is practically synonymous with blues and slide guitar. The resonant open chord and altered intervals create a soulful, expressive sound ideal for these genres. Many iconic blues and slide players, such as Duane Allman and Ry Cooder, heavily utilized open D.
- Rich, Resonant Tone: The lowered tuning and open chord create a fuller, more resonant sound compared to standard tuning. This is particularly appealing for solo guitar arrangements and fingerstyle playing.
- Simplified Chord Voicings: Barre chords become simpler in open D. Moving a barre chord shape up and down the neck allows you to easily play different major chords. This can be a boon for songwriters and improvisers.
- Unique Sonic Palette: Open D offers a fresh sonic landscape that can inspire new musical ideas. The altered intervals and open sound can lead to unexpected and creative chord progressions and melodies.
Tuning Your Guitar to Open D: Step-by-Step
You can use an online tuner to accurately achieve open D tuning. Here’s how:
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Activate your tuner: Click on the microphone symbol on your online tuner. Allow the tuner to access your microphone when prompted.
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Tune the 6th string (E to D): Play your 6th string. The tuner will identify the note. If you are in standard tuning, it will register as ‘E’. Tune the string down by turning the tuning peg counterclockwise until the tuner registers ‘D’ and the slider is green, indicating you’re in tune.
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Tune the 1st string (e to d): Play your 1st string. It will register as ‘e’ in standard tuning. Tune it down by turning the tuning peg counterclockwise until the tuner registers ‘d’ and the slider is green.
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Tune the 2nd string (B to A): Play your 2nd string. It will register as ‘B’. Tune it down by turning the tuning peg counterclockwise until the tuner registers ‘A’ and the slider is green.
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Verify Tuning: Pluck each string individually, and ensure the tuner registers the correct notes (D-A-D-F#-A-d) and shows green for each. Strum all strings together to hear the open D major chord and make final adjustments if needed.
Tips for Tuning and Playing in Open D
- Tune Down Gradually: When tuning down, especially the 6th and 1st strings, do so incrementally to avoid stressing or breaking your strings.
- Use a Tuner: While you can tune by ear, a tuner, especially an online tuner, ensures accuracy, particularly when starting out with alternate tunings.
- String Gauge Considerations: If you plan to use open D frequently, you might consider slightly heavier gauge strings to compensate for the lower tension and prevent string buzz.
- Explore Open D Chord Shapes: Familiarize yourself with basic chord shapes in open D. Major barre chords are straightforward, and minor and 7th chords are also easily accessible with simple finger adjustments.
- Listen to Open D Masters: Immerse yourself in music that utilizes open D tuning. Listen to blues legends like Robert Johnson, slide guitarists like Duane Allman, and contemporary players who explore open D in folk and other genres.
Conclusion
Open D guitar tuning is a rewarding exploration for any guitarist seeking new sonic textures and creative pathways. Whether you are drawn to the soulful sounds of blues and slide, the rich resonance of folk guitar, or simply want to expand your musical vocabulary, open D tuning offers a universe of possibilities. Tune your guitar to open D, experiment with its unique voice, and unlock a new dimension in your playing.
