How to Tune a Guitar to Open D

Open D is a common alternate tuning. It is especially popular for accompaniment and rhythm guitar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar
• Tuner (optional)

How to Tune a Guitar to Open D

1. Tune the 6th string down to D. Use the 4th string as a guide if you do not have a tuner.

2. Leave the 5th and 4th strings at A and D respectively.

3. Tune the 3rd string down to F#. Use the 4th string (4th fret) as a guide.

4. Tune the 2nd string down to A. Use the 3rd string (3rd fret) as a guide.

5. Tune the 1st string down to D. Use the 2nd string (5th fret) as a guide.

6. Strum the open strings. It should sound a natural D chord.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice finding chord fingerings for standard chords in this tuning. Many of them are easier to finger than regular chord structures.