Alternate tunings can unlock new sonic landscapes on your guitar, and open D tuning is a fantastic place to start. This tuning, favored by legendary guitarists and songwriters, offers a rich, resonant sound and simplifies chord playing, making it especially popular for genres like blues, folk, and rock.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of open D tuning. You’ll learn not only how to tune your guitar to open D but also understand the benefits of using it and explore some famous songs that utilize this unique tuning.
Unveiling the Magic of Open D Tuning
Open D tuning transforms your guitar into a D chord when you strum all open strings. This immediately opens up exciting possibilities for songwriters and players alike.
Why venture beyond standard tuning?
Firstly, creative exploration: Alternate tunings are a powerful tool for songwriting. They inspire fresh musical ideas and chord progressions that might not emerge in standard tuning. Think of iconic musicians like Joni Mitchell and Keith Richards, who crafted many of their signature songs in alternate tunings, showcasing the unique textures and harmonies these tunings can provide.
Secondly, simplified chord shapes: Open D tuning simplifies playing chords, especially barre chords and slide guitar techniques. By reducing the fingerwork needed for basic chords, it allows guitarists to focus on expression and improvisation. This is why open D is a favorite among slide guitarists, enabling them to create full, resonant chords with ease using a slide.
Step-by-Step Guide: Tuning Your Guitar to Open D
Open D tuning involves adjusting most strings from standard tuning, except for the A and D strings which remain the same. Let’s break down the changes:
In Standard Tuning, the strings are tuned to:
- E (6th string – lowest)
- A (5th string)
- D (4th string)
- G (3rd string)
- B (2nd string)
- E (1st string – highest)
For Open D Tuning, the strings are tuned to:
- D (6th string – lowered a whole step from E)
- A (5th string – stays the same)
- D (4th string – stays the same)
- F# (3rd string – lowered a half step from G)
- A (2nd string – lowered a whole step from B)
- D (1st string – lowered a whole step from E)
Here’s a simple method to tune your guitar to open D:
- Tune the Low E String (6th string) to D: Pluck the low E string and turn the tuning peg clockwise (towards you) to lower the pitch. Tune it down a whole step until it matches the pitch of your open D string (4th string).
- Leave the A String (5th string) and D String (4th string) as they are.
- Tune the G String (3rd string) to F#: Pluck the G string and turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch by a half step. You can match this to the 4th fret of your D string.
- Tune the B String (2nd string) to A: Pluck the B string and lower the pitch a whole step until it matches the pitch of your open A string (5th string).
- Tune the High E String (1st string) to D: Pluck the high E string and lower the pitch a whole step until it matches the pitch of your open D string (4th string), but an octave higher.
Tuning Tips:
- Utilize an Online Tuner: Fender offers a free online guitar tuner for both electric and acoustic guitars that includes open D tuning presets, simplifying the process. You can also download the Fender Tuner app for mobile convenience.
- Tune by Ear: If you prefer tuning by ear, use the existing strings as reference points. For instance, to tune the low E string down to D, play the open D string and adjust the E string’s tuning peg until the notes resonate in unison. Remember that octaves will sound similar but at different pitch ranges. For tuning the G string to F#, the 4th fret of the D string provides the correct reference pitch.
Exploring Songs in Open D Tuning
Once you’ve tuned your guitar to open D, diving into songs written in this tuning is the best way to familiarize yourself with its unique characteristics and chord voicings. While your standard chord shapes will require some adaptation, the reward is a fresh perspective on the fretboard and a deeper understanding of musicality.
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s iconic “Big Yellow Taxi” exemplifies the bright and uplifting character of open D tuning. The song’s cheerful melody belies its ironic lyrical content, inspired by Mitchell’s contrasting view from a Hawaiian hotel room – beautiful mountains overshadowed by a parking lot.
Although “Big Yellow Taxi” is in the key of E, and could technically be played in open E tuning, open D tuning with a capo at the 2nd fret is a safer alternative for your strings. This method replicates the open E tuning while reducing string tension.
“The Cave” by Mumford & Sons
In contrast to the lighthearted feel of “Big Yellow Taxi,” Mumford & Sons’ “The Cave” showcases the more profound and emotive side of open D tuning. This folk-rock anthem uses open D to create a stoic yet inspiring soundscape, perfectly complementing the song’s yearning lyrics, such as “’Cause I need freedom now/And I need to know how/To live my life as it’s meant to be.” The open D tuning contributes significantly to the song’s powerful and resonant emotional impact.
Expanding Your Guitar Horizons with Alternate Tunings
Mastering open D tuning is just the beginning of a journey into the rich world of alternate guitar tunings. Experimenting with tunings like open E or open A, variations of open D, will further unlock new chord voicings, melodic possibilities, and emotional textures in your playing.
Venturing beyond standard tuning might seem challenging initially, but the rewards are immense. It’s a fantastic way to break out of musical ruts, discover new songwriting approaches, and ultimately enhance your connection with the guitar. Consider exploring further with resources like Fender Play guitar lessons to deepen your understanding and skill in alternate tunings.
