Open D (D A D F♯ A D) tunes the six open strings to a D major chord. Lower the 6th, 2nd and 1st strings a whole step and the 3rd string a half step — great for slide, blues and folk, with one-finger major chords anywhere on the neck.
What is Open D tuning?
Compared with standard: 6th string E→D, 2nd B→A and 1st E→D each go down a whole step, the 3rd string goes G→F♯ (a half step), and strings 5 and 4 (A D) stay put. The open strings D–A–D–F♯–A–D contain only the three notes of a D major triad.
Barre all strings for major chords: G at the 5th fret, A at the 7th, D an octave up at the 12th. With two D strings and an A in the bass, the low drone is huge, so fingerstyle players can keep the bass ringing under a melody.
Open D tuning notes and frequencies
| String | Standard | Open D | Change | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 82.41 | D2 73.42 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 5 | A2 110.00 | A2 110.00 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 4 | D3 146.83 | D3 146.83 Hz | unchanged | — |
| String 3 | G3 196.00 | F♯3 185.00 Hz | down a half step | -11% |
| String 2 | B3 246.94 | A3 220.00 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
| String 1 | E4 329.63 | D4 293.66 Hz | down a whole step (2 semitones) | -21% |
How to tune from standard to Open D tuning
- Tune all six strings to standard E A D G B E first (A4 = 440 Hz).
- String 6: E2 → D2, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 73.42 Hz.
- String 3: G3 → F♯3, down a half step — target 185.00 Hz.
- String 2: B3 → A3, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 220.00 Hz.
- String 1: E4 → D4, down a whole step (2 semitones) — target 293.66 Hz.
- Ear check: the 4th string at the 4th fret (F♯3) should match the open 3rd (F♯3); the 3rd string at the 3rd fret (A3) should match the open 2nd (A3); the 2nd string at the 5th fret (D4) should match the open 1st (D4). All open strings together should ring a clean D major chord.
- Recheck every string from low to high: the change in neck tension pulls the other strings slightly out.
Where it is used
Open D is a classic tuning for slide guitar and country and Delta blues — early blues players called it "Vestapol" — and it is common in folk and singer-songwriter acoustic music.
Since it differs from DADGAD by just one string, many fingerstyle players switch between the two: Open D for bright major-key songs, DADGAD for more modal pieces.
String tension and feel
The 6th, 2nd and 1st strings lose about 21% tension and the 3rd about 11%. A regular set is fine for normal playing; for slide, use 11–52 or heavier and raise the action a little.
Open E has the same intervals as Open D but requires tuning three strings up, adding a lot of tension. For Open E pitch, Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret is kinder to the guitar.
How to get back to standard tuning
- String 1: D4 → E4, up a whole step (2 semitones) (329.63 Hz).
- String 2: A3 → B3, up a whole step (2 semitones) (246.94 Hz).
- String 3: F♯3 → G3, up a half step (196.00 Hz).
- String 6: D2 → E2, up a whole step (2 semitones) (82.41 Hz).
- Raising pitch adds tension. Approach each target from slightly below and turn slowly rather than overshooting — fewer broken strings and the tuning settles faster.
FAQ
Is Open D good for beginners?
It is a fun one to try: the open strings are already a D chord and a one-finger barre gives G, A and other major chords, so you get a full accompaniment quickly. The trade-off is that standard chord shapes have to be relearned.
How are Open D and Open E related?
They have exactly the same intervals; Open E (E B E G♯ B E) is a whole step higher. Open D with a capo at the 2nd fret gives Open E pitch without tuning strings up and adding tension.
How do I play minor chords in Open D?
The major third lives on the 3rd string (F♯), so for a minor chord that string has to sound one fret lower than the rest. A common grip is index finger on the 3rd string with another finger barring the other strings one fret higher — or just mute the 3rd string for a fifth chord. For lots of minor-key playing, switch to Open D minor (D A D F A D).
