Open D Tuning

Creates a D major chord when strummed open. Perfect for slide guitar, blues, and folk music with a bright, ringing tone.

intermediateOpen TuningBlues • Folk

String Configuration

1(High E)
D4
293.66 Hz
2(String 2)
A3
220.00 Hz
3(String 3)
F#3
185.00 Hz
4(String 4)
D3
146.83 Hz
5(String 5)
A2
110.00 Hz
6(Low E)
D2
73.42 Hz

Why Use This Tuning?

  • •Bright, ringing open sound
  • •Excellent for slide guitar
  • •Great for fingerpicking
  • •Perfect for folk and blues
  • •Inspiring chord voicings

Keep in Mind

  • •High string tension
  • •Requires new chord shapes
  • •Can break strings more easily
  • •Not suitable for all genres

How to Tune Your Guitar

1

Tune the low E string (6th string) down to D

E2 → D2 (down 2 semitones)

2

Keep the A string (5th string) at A

A2 → A2 (up 0 semitones)

3

Keep the D string (4th string) at D

D3 → D3 (up 0 semitones)

4

Tune the G string (3rd string) up to F#

G3 → F#3 (down 1 semitone)

5

Tune the B string (2nd string) down to A

B3 → A3 (down 2 semitones)

6

Tune the high E string (1st string) down to D

E4 → D4 (down 2 semitones)

Essential Chord Shapes

D Major

beginner
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Open strummed - the foundation chord

G Major

intermediate
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Full barre at 5th fret

A Major

intermediate
777777

Full barre at 7th fret

Bm

intermediate
444444

Minor barre chord

Famous Artists & Songs

Joni Mitchell

  • • "Both Sides Now"
  • • "Big Yellow Taxi"
  • • "Chelsea Morning"

Bonnie Raitt

  • • "Something to Talk About"
  • • "I Can't Make You Love Me"
  • • "Angel from Montgomery"

Duane Allman

  • • "Layla"
  • • "Statesboro Blues"
  • • "Dreams"

Practice Exercises

Slide Guitar Fundamentals

advancedSlide guitar mastery

Master slide technique in Open D tuning

Steps:

  1. 1.Learn proper slide positioning
  2. 2.Practice major scale slides
  3. 3.Work on blues licks
  4. 4.Develop vibrato technique
  5. 5.Practice with backing tracks

Folk Fingerpicking

intermediateFolk and acoustic styles

Develop fingerpicking patterns for folk music

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice Travis picking patterns
  2. 2.Work on arpeggiated chords
  3. 3.Learn traditional folk songs
  4. 4.Develop personal style
  5. 5.Practice chord progressions

Related Tunings

Open G Tuning

Creates a G major chord when strummed open. Perfect for blues, slide guitar, and Rolling Stones-style rock.

DADGAD Tuning

A modal tuning that creates rich, droning sounds perfect for Celtic, folk, and ambient music. Neither major nor minor.

Open E Tuning

Open major chord (E) when strummed. Bright, resonant tuning for slide and blues.

Explore More Guitar Tunings

Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.

Browse All Tunings →Practice Exercises