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{{Short description|Method of tuning a guitar}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2009}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2009}}


[[Image:Open D tuning.png|thumb|right|Open D tuning.]]
[[Image:Open D tuning.png|thumb|right|Open D tuning.]]


'''Open D tuning''' is an [[open tuning]] for the [[Steel-string guitar|acoustic]] or [[electric guitar]]. The open [[string (music)|string]] [[Musical note|note]]s in this [[Guitar tunings|tuning]] are (from lowest to highest): [[D (musical note)|D]] [[A (musical note)|A]] [[D (musical note)|D]] [[F♯ (musical note)|F{{music|sharp}}]] [[A (musical note)|A]] [[D (musical note)|D]]. It uses the three [[Musical note|note]]s that form the [[triad (music)|triad]] of a [[D major]] [[Chord (music)|chord]]: D, the root note; A, the perfect fifth; and F{{music|sharp}}, the major third. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://guitar.about.com/library/bltuningdadfsharpad.htm |title=Alternate Tuning Guide - Open D Tuning - D A D F{{music|sharp}} A D}}{{Unreliable source?|date=March 2009}}</ref>
'''Open D tuning''' is an [[open tuning]] for the [[Steel-string guitar|acoustic]] or [[electric guitar]]. The open [[string (music)|string]] [[Musical note|note]]s in this [[Guitar tunings|tuning]] are (from lowest to highest): [[D (musical note)|D]] [[A (musical note)|A]] [[D (musical note)|D]] [[F♯ (musical note)|F{{music|sharp}}]] [[A (musical note)|A]] [[D (musical note)|D]]. It uses the three [[Musical note|note]]s that form the [[triad (music)|triad]] of a [[D major]] [[Chord (music)|chord]]: D (the root note), F{{music|sharp}} (the major third) and A (the perfect fifth).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guitar.about.com/library/bltuningdadfsharpad.htm |title=Alternate Tuning Guide - Open D Tuning - D A D F{{music|sharp}} A D |access-date=2009-03-10 |archive-date=2009-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217033621/http://guitar.about.com/library/bltuningdadfsharpad.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=March 2009}}


To tune a guitar from standard tuning to open D tuning, lower the 1st (high-E) string down a full step to D, 2nd (B) string down a full step to A, 3rd (G) string down a half step to F{{music|sharp}}, and 6th (low-E) string down a full step to D.
To tune a guitar from standard tuning to open D tuning, lower the 1st (high-E) string down a full step to D, 2nd (B) string down a full step to A, 3rd (G) string down a half step to F{{music|sharp}}, and 6th (low-E) string down a full step to D.


In this tuning, when the [[guitar]] is strummed without [[fret|fretting]] any of the strings, a D major chord is sounded. This means that any major chord can be easily created using one finger, fretting all the strings at once (also known as [[Barre chord|barring]]); for example, fretting all the strings at the second [[fret]] will produce an [[E major]], at the third fret an [[F major]], and so on up the neck.
In this tuning, when the [[guitar]] is strummed without [[fret]]ting any of the strings, a D major chord is sounded. This means that any major chord can be easily created using one finger, fretting all the strings at once (also known as [[Barre chord|barring]]); for example, fretting all the strings at the second [[fret]] will produce an [[E major]] chord, at the third fret an [[F major]] chord, and so on up the neck.


Open D tuning is very popular with [[slide guitar]] (or 'bottleneck') players, as it allows them to play complete chords using the slide. This tuning is also used in regular (non-slide) guitar playing. The full and vibrant sound it produces - particularly on an [[Steel-string guitar|acoustic guitar]] - also makes it ideal for [[fingerstyle]] playing.<ref>[http://opendtuning.com] Open D Tuning: Home</ref>
Open D tuning is very popular with [[slide guitar]] (or 'bottleneck') players, as it allows them to play complete chords using the slide. This tuning is also used in regular (non-slide) guitar playing. The full and vibrant sound it produces - particularly on an [[Steel-string guitar|acoustic guitar]] - also makes it ideal for [[fingerstyle]] playing.<ref>[http://opendtuning.com] Open D Tuning: Home</ref>


Many new chord shapes and sounds are available with open D tuning. It can offer a strong compositional element that produces [[Tonality|tonal]] qualities markedly different from standard tuning. The full range of major and [[minor chord]]s, with all their extensions, are available to the player. Many well-known guitarists have used this tuning at some point in their career. [[Neil Young]], [[Richie Havens]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[Bruce Cockburn]], [[Barry Gibb]], [[Jim O'Rourke (musician)|Jim O'Rourke]] and Jason Swain have all released recordings featuring this tuning. [[Elmore James]] used this tuning heavily. [[Stone Gossard]] from [[Pearl Jam]] uses this tuning when playing the [[rhythm guitar]] on "[[Even Flow]]" and "[[Oceans (Pearl Jam song)|Oceans]]", from their ''[[Ten (Pearl Jam album)|Ten]]'' album. Broadbay use this tuning in all their songs. [[Mumford & Sons]] also use this tuning on their tracks "[[The Cave (song)|The Cave]]", "[[Awake My Soul]]" and "[[Roll Away Your Stone]]" from their album ''[[Sigh No More (Mumford & Sons album)|Sigh No More]]''. [[Needtobreathe]] used it on some of their songs, most notably "[[Something Beautiful]]" from [[The Outsiders (Needtobreathe album)|The Outsiders]]. Laura Marling uses the tuning on the title track of her 2010 album, ''[[I Speak Because I Can]]''. [[Kevin Shields]] of [[My Bloody Valentine (band)|My Bloody Valentine]] uses this tuning and its variations on many songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/MyBloodyValentine/comments/8wleot/guitar_tunings_on_mbv_loveless/|title=r/MyBloodyValentine - guitar tunings on mbv & loveless??|website=reddit|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Also, Alessio Frusta uses this tuning on the track "Freedom Island" from his 2015 album ''Pen Siero''. Additionally, [[Switchfoot]] uses this tuning on the track "Daisy" from its 2005 album [[Nothing Is Sound]], albeit lowered a half step (giving an open D{{music|flat}} tuning with the same intervalic relationships as open D). [[Mitski]] uses this tuning for almost all the songs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bsidemagazine.org/features-1/2015/11/23/mitski-at-the-columbus|title=Mitski at the Columbus|website=B-SIDE Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://songexploder.net/mitski|title=Episode 83: Mitski|last=hrishikesh|date=2016-09-07|website=Song Exploder|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> while guitarists performing with her live often use standard tuning.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/mitski/bury_me_at_makeout_creek_tabs_2318573|title=Mitski - Bury Me At Makeout Creek (Tab)|website=tabs.ultimate-guitar.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>
Many new chord shapes and sounds are available with open D tuning. It can offer a strong compositional element that produces [[Tonality|tonal]] qualities markedly different from standard tuning. The full range of major and [[minor chord]]s, with all their extensions, are available to the player. Many well-known guitarists have used this tuning at some point in their career. [[Neil Young]], [[Richie Havens]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[Bruce Cockburn]], [[Barry Gibb]], [[Jim O'Rourke (musician)|Jim O'Rourke]] and Jason Swain have all released recordings featuring this tuning. [[Elmore James]] used this tuning heavily. [[Stone Gossard]] from [[Pearl Jam]] uses this tuning when playing the [[rhythm guitar]] on "[[Even Flow]]" and "[[Oceans (Pearl Jam song)|Oceans]]", from their ''[[Ten (Pearl Jam album)|Ten]]'' album. Broadbay use this tuning in all their songs. [[Mumford & Sons]] also use this tuning on their tracks "[[The Cave (song)|The Cave]]", "[[Sigh No More (Mumford & Sons album)|Awake My Soul]]" and "[[Roll Away Your Stone]]" from their album ''[[Sigh No More (Mumford & Sons album)|Sigh No More]]''. [[Needtobreathe]] used it on some of their songs, most notably "[[Something Beautiful]]" from [[The Outsiders (Needtobreathe album)|The Outsiders]]. Laura Marling uses the tuning on the title track of her 2010 album, ''[[I Speak Because I Can]]''. [[Kevin Shields]] of [[My Bloody Valentine (band)|My Bloody Valentine]] uses this tuning and its variations on many songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/MyBloodyValentine/comments/8wleot/guitar_tunings_on_mbv_loveless/|title=r/MyBloodyValentine - guitar tunings on mbv & loveless??|website=reddit|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> Also, Alessio Frusta uses this tuning on the track "Freedom Island" from his 2015 album ''Pen Siero''. Additionally, [[Switchfoot]] uses this tuning on the track "Daisy" from its 2005 album ''[[Nothing Is Sound]]'', albeit lowered a half step (giving an open D{{music|flat}} tuning with the same intervalic relationships as open D). [[Mitski]] uses this tuning for almost all the songs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bsidemagazine.org/features-1/2015/11/23/mitski-at-the-columbus|title=Mitski at the Columbus|website=B-SIDE Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16|archive-date=2019-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816170944/http://www.bsidemagazine.org/features-1/2015/11/23/mitski-at-the-columbus|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://songexploder.net/mitski|title=Episode 83: Mitski|last=hrishikesh|date=2016-09-07|website=Song Exploder|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref> while guitarists performing with her live often use standard tuning.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/mitski/bury_me_at_makeout_creek_tabs_2318573|title=Mitski - Bury Me At Makeout Creek (Tab)|website=tabs.ultimate-guitar.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-16}}</ref>


==Variations==
==Variations==

===F{{music|sharp}}-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-A-D, Open D tuning with low F{{music|sharp}}===
Used by some Brazilian [[Sertanejo music|sertanejo]] musicians on the acoustic guitar to approximate the sound of the [[viola caipira]], a Brazilian country guitar with ten paired strings, traditionally tuned either A-D-F#-A-D or B-E-G#-B-E.


===D-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-A-C{{music|sharp}}, Open Dmaj7 tuning===
===D-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}-A-C{{music|sharp}}, Open Dmaj7 tuning===
This variant is achieved lowering the high D string a half step to C{{music|sharp}} when tuned to open D. C{{music|sharp}} is the [[major seventh]] of the D [[major scale]], hence the name. It also can be used for both fingerstyle and slide guitar work.
This variant is achieved by lowering the high D string a half step to C{{music|sharp}} when tuned to open D. C{{music|sharp}} is the [[major seventh]] of the D [[major scale]], hence the name. It also can be used for both fingerstyle and slide guitar work.


===D-A-D-F-A-D, Open Dm tuning===
===D-A-D-F-A-D, Open Dm tuning===
This variant uses an F natural, the [[minor third]].
This variant uses an F natural, the [[minor third]].


This tuning has been used by Niko Wenner of [[Oxbow (band)|Oxbow]] on the songs "Angel," "Cat and Mouse"; by Ian Thornley of Big Wreck on "Ladylike" and "Overemphasizing" and by [[Owen Campbell]] on "Sunshine Road".
This tuning has been used by Niko Wenner of [[Oxbow (band)|Oxbow]] on the songs "Angel," "Cat and Mouse"; by Ian Thornley of Big Wreck on "Ladylike" and "Overemphasizing" and by [[Owen Campbell (musician)|Owen Campbell]] on "Sunshine Road".


DADFAD tuning is ideal for guitarists who are accompanying instruments that are tuned to [[minor scale]]s, such as the [[Native American flute]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.Flutopedia.com/simple_guitar_dadfad.htm |title=Simple Guitar Accompaniment for Native American Flute - DADFAD Tuning |author=Clint Goss |year=2011 |work=Flutopedia |accessdate=2011-11-28}}</ref>
DADFAD tuning is ideal for guitarists who are accompanying instruments that are tuned to [[minor scale]]s, such as the [[Native American flute]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.Flutopedia.com/simple_guitar_dadfad.htm |title=Simple Guitar Accompaniment for Native American Flute - DADFAD Tuning |author=Clint Goss |year=2011 |work=Flutopedia |access-date=2011-11-28}}</ref>


===D-A-D-F-A-E, Open Dmadd9 tuning===
===D-A-D-F-A-E, Open Dmadd9 tuning===
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===D-A-D-A-D-D, Open D5 tuning===
===D-A-D-A-D-D, Open D5 tuning===
This variant is used by [[Mark Tremonti]] of [[Alter Bridge]] and [[Creed (band)|Creed]]. Six of the songs in which it is used are "[[Are You Ready? (Creed song)|Are You Ready?]]", "[[Human Clay|Faceless Man]]", "[[My Sacrifice]]", [[Fortress]], "[[Ghost of Days Gone By]]" (half-step down), and "[[Open Your Eyes (Alter Bridge song)|Open Your Eyes]]" as well as "[[Rain (Creed song)|Rain]]", "[[All I Was|Brains]]", and "[[All I Was|New Way Out]]" all tuned down 1 and a half steps (BF{{music|sharp}}BF{{music|sharp}}BB). This tuning is also used in the [[Alter Bridge]] song 'Life Must Go On'. Mark has mentioned in his instructional DVD that this tuning is one of his favorites because of its simplicity. It is also used by the [[Goo Goo Dolls]] in their song "[[Black Balloon (Goo Goo Dolls song)|Black Balloon]]", which was tuned down a half step on the album but played live in Open D5. "Without You", "Emotion Sickness" and "Paint Pastel Princess" by Australian band [[Silverchair]] also uses the Open D5 tuning but down half a step. [[Fair to Midland]] use this tuning tuned down 1 full step (CGCGCC) and 1 1/2 steps (BF{{music|sharp}}BF{{music|sharp}}BB).
This variant is used most notably by [[Mark Tremonti]] of [[Alter Bridge]] and [[Creed (band)|Creed]]. Eight of the songs in which it is used are "[[Are You Ready? (Creed song)|Are You Ready?]]",<ref name="Human Clay">{{cite book |title=Creed – Human Clay: Authentic Guitar Tab |date=2008 |publisher=[[Alfred Music|Alfred]] |isbn=978-0-7390-5404-8}}</ref> "[[Human Clay|Faceless Man]]",<ref name="Human Clay"/> "[[My Sacrifice]]",<ref name="Weathered">{{cite book |title=Creed – Weathered: Authentic Guitar Tab |date=2008 |publisher=[[Alfred Music|Alfred]] |isbn=978-0739054055}}</ref> "[[Weathered]]",<ref name="Weathered"/> "[[Open Your Eyes (Alter Bridge song)|Open Your Eyes]]",<ref name="One Day Remains">{{cite book |title=Alter Bridge – One Day Remains (Guitar Recorded Versions) |date=2004 |publisher=[[Hal Leonard LLC|Hal Leonard]] |location=Milwaukee, WI |isbn=9780634091445}}</ref> "[[Ghost of Days Gone By]]" (half-step down),<ref name="Ghost of Days Gone By">{{cite web |author1=Guitar World |title=Mark Tremonti: "Ghost of Days Gone By" Lesson (Part 1) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WPhMxneTQY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/8WPhMxneTQY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|website=YouTube |access-date=21 February 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "[[AB III|Life Must Go On]]",<ref name="AB III">{{cite book |title=Alter Bridge – AB III (Guitar Recorded Versions) |date=2011 |publisher=[[Hal Leonard LLC|Hal Leonard]] |isbn=978-1617804885}}</ref> and “[[Fortress]]” (half-step down).<ref name="Fortress">{{cite book |title=Alter Bridge – Fortress (The Sound and the Story) |date=2014 |publisher=[[Hal Leonard LLC|Hal Leonard]] |isbn=978-1480385450}}</ref> It is also used on "[[Rain (Creed song)|Rain]]",<ref name="Full Circle">{{cite book |title=Creed – Full Circle (Authentic Guitar Tab Editions) |date=2010 |publisher=[[Alfred Music|Alfred]] |isbn=978-0739067086}}</ref> "[[All I Was|Brains]]", and "[[All I Was|New Way Out]]", all tuned down 1 and a half steps (BF{{music|sharp}}BF{{music|sharp}}BB). Mark has mentioned in his instructional DVD that this tuning is one of his favorites because of its simplicity. It is also used by the [[Goo Goo Dolls]] in their song "[[Black Balloon (Goo Goo Dolls song)|Black Balloon]]", which was tuned down a half step on the album but played live in Open D5. "Without You", "Emotion Sickness" and "Paint Pastel Princess" by Australian band [[Silverchair]] also uses the Open D5 tuning, but down half a step. [[Fair to Midland]] use this tuning tuned down 1 full step (CGCGCC) and 1 1/2 steps (BF{{music|sharp}}BF{{music|sharp}}BB).


===D-A-D-D-A-D===
===D-A-D-D-A-D===
A variation on the above Open D5 tuning, is occasionally used by folk guitarists, such as [[Stephen Stills]] on the song "4+20"<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stephen Stills - 4+20 {{!}} Guitar Lesson, Tab & Chords {{!}} Jerry's Guitar Bar|url=https://www.jerrysguitarbar.com/guitar-video-lessons/individual-songs/stephen-stills-4-20/|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-07}}</ref>. It has the advantage of a ringing pair of identical Ds on the third and fourth strings, which can be used to carry a melody line above a bed of D5 created by the other strings.
A variation on the above Open D5 tuning, is occasionally used by folk guitarists, such as [[Stephen Stills]] on the song "4+20".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stephen Stills - 4+20 {{!}} Guitar Lesson, Tab & Chords {{!}} Jerry's Guitar Bar|url=https://www.jerrysguitarbar.com/guitar-video-lessons/individual-songs/stephen-stills-4-20/|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-07}}</ref> It has the advantage of a ringing pair of identical Ds on the third and fourth strings, which can be used to carry a melody line above a bed of D5 created by the other strings.


===D-A-D-A-A-D===
===D-A-D-A-A-D===
This tuning has been used by:
This tuning has been used by:
*[[Dave Wakeling]] of [[The Beat (British band)|The Beat]] (known in North America as The English Beat) on the track "Save It For Later" from ''[[Special Beat Service]]'' as well as "Click Click" from the bands debut.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTWChIJxOiY Dave Wakeling tuning his guitar on 94.9 FM.] Accessed 2010-04-15.</ref>
*[[Dave Wakeling]] of [[The Beat (British band)|The Beat]] (known in North America as The English Beat) on the track "Save It For Later" from ''[[Special Beat Service]]'' as well as "Click Click" from the band's debut.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTWChIJxOiY Dave Wakeling tuning his guitar on 94.9 FM.] Accessed 2010-04-15.</ref>
*[[Alex Lifeson]] of Canadian rock band [[Rush (band)|Rush]] on the track "[[Hope (Rush song)|Hope]]" from ''[[Snakes & Arrows]]'' as well as [[Stone Gossard]] of American Rock Band [[Pearl Jam]] on the track "Let the Records Play".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTwR1Ak3uq0 Stone Gossard plays Let the Records Play] Accessed 2013-10-19.</ref>
*[[Alex Lifeson]] of Canadian rock band [[Rush (band)|Rush]] on the track "[[Hope (Rush song)|Hope]]" from ''[[Snakes & Arrows]]'' as well as [[Stone Gossard]] of American Rock Band [[Pearl Jam]] on the track "Let the Records Play".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTwR1Ak3uq0 Stone Gossard plays Let the Records Play] Accessed 2013-10-19.</ref>
*Allen Maslen, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with the British folk-rock band Meet On The Ledge. Tracks with this tuning include Only Angels, Gas Street Shuffle, Freeze, The Litten Tree and One For His Nob.
*Allen Maslen, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with the British folk-rock band Meet On The Ledge. Tracks with this tuning include Only Angels, Gas Street Shuffle, Freeze, The Litten Tree and One For His Nob.
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*[[Owl City]] in his project Sky Sailing.
*[[Owl City]] in his project Sky Sailing.
*Philip Toshio Sudo, who wrote the book "Zen Guitar".
*Philip Toshio Sudo, who wrote the book "Zen Guitar".
*The Finnish guitarist, composer/ songwriter, and guitar teacher [[Tomas Karlsson]], who has written a lot of songs in this tuning. These songs can be heard on his 2015 album [https://open.spotify.com/album/6mz1DoIGL6k7queTUXTXt3 ''Zen Guitar Songs''], available on [https://open.spotify.com/album/6mz1DoIGL6k7queTUXTXt3 ''Spotify''] and other streaming services. The sheet music to these songs can be found on his website ''http://www.tomaskarlsson.com/''. Tomas has also written [http://personal.inet.fi/private/tomas.karlsson/lesson123.html a small lesson] on using this tuning.


===D-D-D-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}===
===D-D-D-A-D-F{{music|sharp}}===
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[[Category:Open tunings]]
[[Category:Open tunings]]

[[da:Guitarstemning#Open D]]

Latest revision as of 00:31, 2 November 2024

Open D tuning.

Open D tuning is an open tuning for the acoustic or electric guitar. The open string notes in this tuning are (from lowest to highest): D A D F A D. It uses the three notes that form the triad of a D major chord: D (the root note), F (the major third) and A (the perfect fifth).[1][unreliable source?]

To tune a guitar from standard tuning to open D tuning, lower the 1st (high-E) string down a full step to D, 2nd (B) string down a full step to A, 3rd (G) string down a half step to F, and 6th (low-E) string down a full step to D.

In this tuning, when the guitar is strummed without fretting any of the strings, a D major chord is sounded. This means that any major chord can be easily created using one finger, fretting all the strings at once (also known as barring); for example, fretting all the strings at the second fret will produce an E major chord, at the third fret an F major chord, and so on up the neck.

Open D tuning is very popular with slide guitar (or 'bottleneck') players, as it allows them to play complete chords using the slide. This tuning is also used in regular (non-slide) guitar playing. The full and vibrant sound it produces - particularly on an acoustic guitar - also makes it ideal for fingerstyle playing.[2]

Many new chord shapes and sounds are available with open D tuning. It can offer a strong compositional element that produces tonal qualities markedly different from standard tuning. The full range of major and minor chords, with all their extensions, are available to the player. Many well-known guitarists have used this tuning at some point in their career. Neil Young, Richie Havens, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Cockburn, Barry Gibb, Jim O'Rourke and Jason Swain have all released recordings featuring this tuning. Elmore James used this tuning heavily. Stone Gossard from Pearl Jam uses this tuning when playing the rhythm guitar on "Even Flow" and "Oceans", from their Ten album. Broadbay use this tuning in all their songs. Mumford & Sons also use this tuning on their tracks "The Cave", "Awake My Soul" and "Roll Away Your Stone" from their album Sigh No More. Needtobreathe used it on some of their songs, most notably "Something Beautiful" from The Outsiders. Laura Marling uses the tuning on the title track of her 2010 album, I Speak Because I Can. Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine uses this tuning and its variations on many songs.[3] Also, Alessio Frusta uses this tuning on the track "Freedom Island" from his 2015 album Pen Siero. Additionally, Switchfoot uses this tuning on the track "Daisy" from its 2005 album Nothing Is Sound, albeit lowered a half step (giving an open D tuning with the same intervalic relationships as open D). Mitski uses this tuning for almost all the songs,[4][5] while guitarists performing with her live often use standard tuning.[6]

Variations

[edit]

F-A-D-F-A-D, Open D tuning with low F

[edit]

Used by some Brazilian sertanejo musicians on the acoustic guitar to approximate the sound of the viola caipira, a Brazilian country guitar with ten paired strings, traditionally tuned either A-D-F#-A-D or B-E-G#-B-E.

D-A-D-F-A-C, Open Dmaj7 tuning

[edit]

This variant is achieved by lowering the high D string a half step to C when tuned to open D. C is the major seventh of the D major scale, hence the name. It also can be used for both fingerstyle and slide guitar work.

D-A-D-F-A-D, Open Dm tuning

[edit]

This variant uses an F natural, the minor third.

This tuning has been used by Niko Wenner of Oxbow on the songs "Angel," "Cat and Mouse"; by Ian Thornley of Big Wreck on "Ladylike" and "Overemphasizing" and by Owen Campbell on "Sunshine Road".

DADFAD tuning is ideal for guitarists who are accompanying instruments that are tuned to minor scales, such as the Native American flute.[7]

D-A-D-F-A-E, Open Dmadd9 tuning

[edit]

This tuning was used by the progressive metal band Opeth on their album Ghost Reveries.

D-A-D-A-D-D, Open D5 tuning

[edit]

This variant is used most notably by Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge and Creed. Eight of the songs in which it is used are "Are You Ready?",[8] "Faceless Man",[8] "My Sacrifice",[9] "Weathered",[9] "Open Your Eyes",[10] "Ghost of Days Gone By" (half-step down),[11] "Life Must Go On",[12] and “Fortress” (half-step down).[13] It is also used on "Rain",[14] "Brains", and "New Way Out", all tuned down 1 and a half steps (BFBFBB). Mark has mentioned in his instructional DVD that this tuning is one of his favorites because of its simplicity. It is also used by the Goo Goo Dolls in their song "Black Balloon", which was tuned down a half step on the album but played live in Open D5. "Without You", "Emotion Sickness" and "Paint Pastel Princess" by Australian band Silverchair also uses the Open D5 tuning, but down half a step. Fair to Midland use this tuning tuned down 1 full step (CGCGCC) and 1 1/2 steps (BFBFBB).

D-A-D-D-A-D

[edit]

A variation on the above Open D5 tuning, is occasionally used by folk guitarists, such as Stephen Stills on the song "4+20".[15] It has the advantage of a ringing pair of identical Ds on the third and fourth strings, which can be used to carry a melody line above a bed of D5 created by the other strings.

D-A-D-A-A-D

[edit]

This tuning has been used by:

  • Dave Wakeling of The Beat (known in North America as The English Beat) on the track "Save It For Later" from Special Beat Service as well as "Click Click" from the band's debut.[16]
  • Alex Lifeson of Canadian rock band Rush on the track "Hope" from Snakes & Arrows as well as Stone Gossard of American Rock Band Pearl Jam on the track "Let the Records Play".[17]
  • Allen Maslen, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with the British folk-rock band Meet On The Ledge. Tracks with this tuning include Only Angels, Gas Street Shuffle, Freeze, The Litten Tree and One For His Nob.
  • Ben Howard for the EP Old Pine.
  • American rock band Rival Sons use this tuning on their 2019 song "Look Away".
  • Owl City in his project Sky Sailing.
  • Philip Toshio Sudo, who wrote the book "Zen Guitar".

D-D-D-A-D-F

[edit]

Nicknamed the "Wind of Change," this tuning was used by Peter Frampton on his song of the same name. Frampton discovered this tuning while browsing guitars at the home of George Harrison, who had a large collection of guitars in various tunings. When speaking of the tuning in an interview, Frampton said, "The low E and A strings drop down to D, the fourth string remains unchanged, the third string goes up to A, the second string up to D, and the first string up to F , so there's a D triad on top and three Ds on the bottom. It's a very strange tuning, but oh my God, it sounds huge."

References

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  1. ^ "Alternate Tuning Guide - Open D Tuning - D A D F A D". Archived from the original on 2009-02-17. Retrieved 2009-03-10.
  2. ^ [1] Open D Tuning: Home
  3. ^ "r/MyBloodyValentine - guitar tunings on mbv & loveless??". reddit. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  4. ^ "Mitski at the Columbus". B-SIDE Magazine. Archived from the original on 2019-08-16. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  5. ^ hrishikesh (2016-09-07). "Episode 83: Mitski". Song Exploder. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  6. ^ "Mitski - Bury Me At Makeout Creek (Tab)". tabs.ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  7. ^ Clint Goss (2011). "Simple Guitar Accompaniment for Native American Flute - DADFAD Tuning". Flutopedia. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
  8. ^ a b Creed – Human Clay: Authentic Guitar Tab. Alfred. 2008. ISBN 978-0-7390-5404-8.
  9. ^ a b Creed – Weathered: Authentic Guitar Tab. Alfred. 2008. ISBN 978-0739054055.
  10. ^ Alter Bridge – One Day Remains (Guitar Recorded Versions). Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard. 2004. ISBN 9780634091445.
  11. ^ Guitar World. "Mark Tremonti: "Ghost of Days Gone By" Lesson (Part 1)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  12. ^ Alter Bridge – AB III (Guitar Recorded Versions). Hal Leonard. 2011. ISBN 978-1617804885.
  13. ^ Alter Bridge – Fortress (The Sound and the Story). Hal Leonard. 2014. ISBN 978-1480385450.
  14. ^ Creed – Full Circle (Authentic Guitar Tab Editions). Alfred. 2010. ISBN 978-0739067086.
  15. ^ "Stephen Stills - 4+20 | Guitar Lesson, Tab & Chords | Jerry's Guitar Bar". Retrieved 2020-05-07.
  16. ^ Dave Wakeling tuning his guitar on 94.9 FM. Accessed 2010-04-15.
  17. ^ Stone Gossard plays Let the Records Play Accessed 2013-10-19.