Open Tunings

Explore Open D and Open E tunings with fretboard visualization, common chord shapes, and scale patterns.

Open D (DADF#AD)

Open D tunes all six strings to form a D major chord when strummed open. It creates a rich, resonant sound popular in blues, folk, and slide guitar.

Strings (low to high):D2A2D3F#3A3D4
DADF#AD13691215DADF#AD

Quick Chord Shapes

D Major0-0-0-0-0-0 (all open)
E MajorBarre fret 2
G MajorBarre fret 5
A MajorBarre fret 7
D Minor0-0-0-3-3-3
D70-0-0-2-1-2

Characteristics

  • Open strings ring out a full D major chord
  • Easy slide guitar - barre any fret for a major chord
  • Deep, warm bass from the low D string
  • Great for fingerpicking with droning bass notes
  • Natural for keys of D, G, and A

Famous Artists

Joni MitchellBob DylanRichie HavensBruce CockburnElmore James

Famous Songs

  • "Big Yellow Taxi" - Joni Mitchell
  • "Blood on the Tracks" - Bob Dylan
  • "Street Fighting Man" - Rolling Stones
  • "She Talks to Angels" - Black Crowes