Open D Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Open D tuning produces a D major chord when strumming all open strings. It's one of the oldest and most versatile open tunings, beloved by slide guitarists, folk musicians, and acoustic players seeking rich, resonant chord voicings. Open D is particularly well-suited for slide guitar because any fret position creates a major chord, making it easy to play melodic slide lines. The tuning also enables beautiful fingerpicking patterns with bass notes droning on the open strings while melodies ring out above.
Musical genres
Slide guitar, blues, folk, acoustic, country, world music
Famous songs
- "Big Yellow Taxi" - Joni Mitchell
- "Dust My Broom" - Elmore James
- "Running on Faith" - Eric Clapton
- "The Cave" - Mumford & Sons
- "Street Fighting Man" - The Rolling Stones
Tips
- Barre straight across any fret for a major chord - perfect for slide guitar
- The low D provides a powerful, resonant bass foundation
- Easy to convert to Open E by capoing the 2nd fret (same shapes, different key)
- Try partial chords using only some strings for interesting voicings
Instruments
Tunings
General Tunings
Raised Tunings
Lowered Tunings
Dropped Tunings
Double Dropped Tunings
Major Open Tunings
Minor Open Tunings (Cross-note)
Modal Tunings
Miscellaneous Tunings
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest). This tuning has been the standard for centuries and is used in most guitar music across all genres. The low E string is tuned to E2 (82.41 Hz), and the high E string is tuned to E4 (329.63 Hz).
Click the microphone icon to enable microphone access, then play a single string. The tuner will detect the pitch and show you whether the note is sharp (too high), flat (too low), or in tune. Adjust your tuning peg accordingly until the indicator is centered.
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th (lowest) string from E to D, while keeping all other strings in standard tuning (D-A-D-G-B-E). This is popular in rock and metal music because it allows for easy power chords using a single finger and produces a heavier, lower sound.
Yes! This chromatic tuner works for both acoustic and electric guitars. For electric guitars, you can either use the microphone to pick up sound from your amp, or connect your guitar directly to your computer's audio input for the most accurate results.
Open tunings are alternative guitar tunings where strumming all open strings produces a chord. Popular examples include Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D), used by Keith Richards, and Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D), popular for slide guitar. These tunings are common in blues, folk, and slide guitar playing.
You should tune your guitar every time you play, and check tuning periodically during longer practice sessions. Temperature changes, humidity, and playing can cause strings to go out of tune. New strings especially need frequent retuning until they stretch and settle.
Common reasons include: new strings that haven't stretched yet, changes in temperature or humidity, worn tuning pegs, an improperly set nut or bridge, or old strings. Regular string changes and proper guitar maintenance can help maintain tuning stability.