How to Tune to Open D for Slide Guitar

Tuning the guitar to an "open D" tuning is something guitarists do for various reasons. Musicians use the open D for slide guitar or for easy play of open chords. The open D tuning represents getting the strings into a pre-harmonized format so that you don't have to form chords with your fingers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tune the bottom E string down to D. You're tuning down one step on the bottom string.

2. Leave the A string (the string above the bottom E) and the D string (the next string up) alone.

3. Change the G string (the string above D) by taking it down one half step to an F sharp.

4. Tune the B string down one whole step to an A.

5. Change your high E string down to a D.

Tips & Warnings

• Use electric tuners or a piano to check your tones. Since this is not the tuning you are used to, it's harder to prevent strings from being sharp or flat. Spend a little extra time to get the tones just right.
• Experiment with what open D will allow. Use a straight bar to form any major chord on the neck. Try playing a note line on a high string with the lower ones open for a great melodic D sound.
• To start off with the slide technique, listen to the sound of the D chord when you slide the bar up the neck in a straight line. You should hear all of the chord's notes moving along with each other. You'll want to learn how to play only a few strings at a time for an easier slide style.