Open D Tuning: How To Tune Your Guitar to Open D

If you’re a guitar player who’s looking for a new way to play your guitar and experiment with non-traditional tunings, Open D tuning is a must-know. It’s reasonably simple to get your guitar into, and it opens up an exciting style of playing that standard tuning just can’t quite capture.

In this article, we’ll explain what Open D tuning is, how to tune your guitar into it, and how to get the most out of this style of playing so that you can create amazing new sounds with your guitar!

What Is Open D Tuning?

Open tuning is used to achieve rich-sounding chords and allows for a style of playing unique from standard tuning, essentially turning an open strum into a beautiful D chord.

You can have any variety of Open tuning, but the principle is always the same: When you strum all of the strings without fretting, they should create a chord. This style of tuning is often heard in folk and country - but it's certainly not limited to these genres.

Open D tuning requires the strings on the guitar to be tuned slightly differently from their standard tuning positions based on a specific set of intervals. The notes that you would need to tune your strings to are, in order, D-A-D-F#-A-D. This combination creates a D chord when you strum.

It's always important to be precise when tuning your strings, as even a small difference can cause issues when practicing or performing. We recommend using a precise digital tuner, like the Rocksmith Guitar Tuner app, whenever possible.

How Do You Tune a Guitar to Open D?

As mentioned, tuning your guitar to Open D is relatively simple. Let's look at the process and discuss a few tricks to keep up your sleeve:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by tuning the 6th (or "low E") string to a D note by lowering it a whole step.

After you have the 6th string tuned to D, make sure the 5th (A) and 4th (D) strings remain in the same tuning.

The 3rd string will be tuned down a half-step, giving you an F#.

From there, tune both the 2nd and 1st strings down a full step to A and D, respectively.

Run each string through your tuner again to ensure a perfect D-A-D-F#-A-D.

What Are the Advantages of Using Open D Tuning?

Open D tuning is an incredibly versatile and exciting way to tune your guitar. Musicians have used it for centuries in all kinds of styles, from blues to metal to pop, to create interesting sounds and textures.

The advantages of using Open D tuning are numerous, allowing guitarists to explore a broad range of dynamics and chord shapes.

It's Simple

One of the benefits of Open D tuning you'll notice first is its simplicity. It's easy to learn and understand the tuning since it only requires you to drop three of the strings a whole step and one string a half-step, making it super accessible.

It's also incredibly easy to make something that sounds beautiful with just a few additional notes, making Open D a fantastic creative device for anyone looking to arrange their next masterpiece! Being creative, especially with music, provides an outlet for people that can help process complicated emotions - not to mention it's a rewarding and fun hobby.

Rich Harmonics

As you may have noticed, Open D includes 3 different D notes in its open position. This means that, as long as you're playing primarily single notes across the fretboard, you'll always have rich harmonics boosting your notes.

What Are Some Tips and Tricks for Successful Tuning?

Now, let's go a bit deeper into how you can quickly tune your guitar to Open D.

Use a Tuner

While you can technically tune your guitar to an Open tuning just based on the frets, the likelihood that you end up landing perfectly in Open D is not high unless you're one of the 0.01% of people born with perfect pitch.

Double-checking your pitch with a tuner is a must, especially if you want to play along with backing tracks and even more so if you plan on playing with other people.

Tune Carefully

If you rush through one string and then base the others off of that, then your whole guitar is out of order. Take your time and re-check each string as you move down the line.

Adjust the Nut and Bridge

If you're having difficulty keeping your instrument in tune after tuning it to Open D, try adjusting the nut and bridge settings before anything else. This can adjust the distance between the strings and the fretboard, whether they're too high or too low.

If you're wanting to play with a slide, you'll definitely want the action higher than normal. However, this setup can become exhausting for your fingers to push down without the slide!

Have Fun With It

Tuning the guitar does take a little bit of practice and effort, but with the proper tuner (and fresh strings) it goes by in a breeze, and then your instrument is ready to go! Open tunings are a lot of fun to mess around with, and if you give it a chance, then you never know what you might be able to come up with.

Conclusion

With Open D tuning, you can add interesting textures to your songs and become a more creative and dynamic artist. Jamming with friends is a breeze, all while making the most out of your chords and taking advantage of the unique shapes and voicings.

Above all, remember to use your ears for any note or chord checks since guitar strings stretch over time. Try playing around with varying tunings, and don't forget to take advantage of Rocksmith+ on your journey to hone your skills even further!

Sources:

The Importance of Harmonics in Playing String Instruments | Connolly Music

What Is Perfect Pitch? | University of Chicago

What Is Pitch In Music? | HelloMusicTheory

Half Steps, Whole Steps, and Accidentals | OPEN MUSIC THEORY