Acoustic Strings

What is Open D tuning?

Q: What is Open D tuning?

Open D tuning is D A D F# A D, low to high, so the open strings form a D major chord. From standard, lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings by a whole step and the 3rd string by a half step. It's popular for slide and fingerstyle, and because strings go lower, standard gauges work well. Open D gives a full, ringing sound and lets you play major chords with a single barre. With a capo it covers many keys.How to tune from standard:Lower the 6th string from E down a whole step to D.Leave the 5th string at A and the 4th string at D.Lower the 3rd string from G down a half step to F#.Lower the 2nd string from B down a whole step to A.Lower the 1st string from E down a whole step to D.Retune all strings and check each on a tuner.Open D is closely related to two other tunings:DADGAD: the same, but with the 3rd string at G instead of F#.Open E: the same intervals a whole step higher. Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret sounds in Open E.Choosing strings: standard sets suit Open D. On acoustic, P1254 Light or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze keep the lowered strings firm. On electric, S1046 or S1052 in Power Wound Nickel work well.

Quick Answer

Open D tuning is D A D F# A D, low to high, so the open strings form a D major chord. From standard, lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings by a whole step and the 3rd string by a half step. It's popular for slide and fingerstyle, and because strings go lower, standard gauges work well.

Open D gives a full, ringing sound and lets you play major chords with a single barre. With a capo it covers many keys.

How to tune from standard:

Lower the 6th string from E down a whole step to D.
Leave the 5th string at A and the 4th string at D.
Lower the 3rd string from G down a half step to F#.
Lower the 2nd string from B down a whole step to A.
Lower the 1st string from E down a whole step to D.
Retune all strings and check each on a tuner.

Open D is closely related to two other tunings:

DADGAD: the same, but with the 3rd string at G instead of F#.
Open E: the same intervals a whole step higher. Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret sounds in Open E.

Choosing strings: standard sets suit Open D. On acoustic, P1254 Light or P1256 Bluegrass in Phosphor Bronze keep the lowered strings firm. On electric, S1046 or S1052 in Power Wound Nickel work well.

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