How to Play Guitar Chords in Open D Tuning

Open D tuning is like discovering a secret door in your guitar's sonic universe. It opens up fresh possibilities for chord voicings, rich harmonics, and even new approaches to songwriting. Whether you're a seasoned player looking to spice things up or a beginner curious about different tunings, Open D can be a game-changer. Let's break down how to play chords in this versatile tuning while keeping it fun and approachable.

What is Open D Tuning?

Before we dive into playing chords, let’s set the stage with what Open D tuning actually is. When you tune your guitar to Open D, you're changing the pitch of each string to create a D major chord when strummed open. This means you’ll tune your guitar strings to these notes: D A D F# A D. With this setup, the guitar will naturally produce a D major chord without any fingerings, giving you a full, resonant sound right off the bat.

Open tunings are especially popular in slide guitar playing and some folk music, but they’re also fantastic for giving your metal riffs an extra punch. If you think about it, many metal subgenres thrive on the power and fullness of open strings. Open D tuning lets you explore that without having to work too hard for it.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open D

Switching to Open D is a straightforward process, but you'll need an electronic tuner to keep things precise. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down a whole step to D.
• 5th String (A): Leave as is.
• 4th String (D): Leave as is.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down a half-step to F#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down a whole step to A.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down a whole step to D.

Once you're tuned up, strum all the strings together. You should hear a full, resonant D major chord. If it doesn't sound quite right, double-check your tuning. A good tuner app or pedal will help you nail this quickly.

Basic Chords in Open D

Alright, now that your guitar is tuned, let's dive into some basic chords. The beauty of Open D is that many chords can be played with minimal finger movement, sometimes using just one finger!

• G Major: Place your finger across the 5th fret of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th strings. It’s a simple barre chord shape that brings a bright, uplifting sound.
• A Major: Barre the 7th fret across all strings. A quick slide up from G major gives you a seamless transition.
• B Minor: Barre the 9th fret, but let the 5th string ring open. This adds a minor twist to your progression, perfect for a bit of melancholy.

These chords are the building blocks for endless possibilities. Feel free to experiment with adding more fingers to create extended or altered chords. It’s all about playing around and finding what sounds best to you.

Advanced Chord Voicings

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to spice things up. Open D offers a canvas for more complex chord voicings that can add depth to your playing.

• E Minor 7 (D6): Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string. Strum all strings.
• F# Minor 7 (D6/9): Use your index finger to barre the 4th fret, and place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the 4th string.
• C# Minor 7: Barre the 11th fret and let the 5th string ring open. This chord is great for a moody, introspective vibe.

These voicings add flavor to your chord progressions. They’re especially useful if you’re composing more intricate pieces or just want to impress your friends with some sophisticated sounds.

Using Open D for Metal Riffs

Open D isn’t just for folk or acoustic music; it’s a powerful tool in the metal guitarist’s arsenal too. The tuning allows for some seriously heavy riffs with minimal effort.

Think about bands like Queens of the Stone Age who use alternate tunings to create their signature sound. You can do the same with Open D. Try this riff to get a feel for it:

D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
F#|------------------------------------------------|
D|---0-0---0-0---0-2-0---0-0---0-0---0-2-0---------|
A|---0-0---0-0---0-2-0---0-0---0-0---0-2-0---------|
D|---0-0---0-0---0-2-0---0-0---0-0---0-2-0---------|

This simple sequence uses open strings for a heavy, droning effect. It’s a great foundation for more complex riffs or solos. If you're looking to take your metal playing further, check out Riffhard for lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists.

Exploring Fingerstyle in Open D

Fingerstyle playing in Open D opens up a world of possibilities. The tuning naturally lends itself to rich harmonics and resonant bass lines, making it perfect for fingerstyle explorations.

Start with a simple arpeggio pattern:

D|----------------------0-------------------------|
A|--------------------0---0-----------------------|
F#|---------------0----------0---------------------|
D|-----------0-------------------0-----------------|
A|-------0----------------------------0------------|
D|---0-----------------------------------0---------|

This pattern keeps your thumb busy on the bass strings while your fingers dance around the higher strings. The result is a lush, full-bodied sound that’s perfect for introspective or atmospheric pieces.

Utilizing Capos with Open D

A capo in Open D tuning can drastically change your guitar’s soundscape. It allows you to play the same chord shapes but in different keys, adding versatility to your playing.

Place the capo on the 2nd fret, and suddenly you’re in Open E tuning. This is a great way to experiment with different tonal qualities without having to retune your guitar each time. You can also move the capo up and down the neck to find the key that best suits your voice or the song you’re playing.

Writing Songs in Open D

Open D tuning is a songwriter’s dream. The unique chord voicings and resonant open strings inspire creativity and new ideas. If you’re stuck in a songwriting rut, switching to Open D might be just what you need to break free.

Start by strumming a simple progression: D major, G major, A major. This can be the foundation for countless songs. Add in some of the advanced voicings we covered earlier, and you’ll find yourself crafting melodies and lyrics that feel fresh and exciting.

Experimenting with Slides in Open D

Slides and open tunings go hand in hand. The smooth, gliding sound of a slide can bring a whole new dimension to your playing in Open D. Use a slide on your ring or pinky finger, and start by playing simple melodies on the 1st and 2nd strings.

Practice sliding into notes and experiment with vibrato to give your playing a vocal-like quality. This technique is not only fun but also opens up endless possibilities for expressive playing.

Final Thoughts

Open D tuning is a gateway to new sonic landscapes, offering unique chord voicings and exciting possibilities for songwriting and performance. Whether you’re looking to spice up your metal riffs or explore fingerstyle pieces, this tuning has something for everyone. If you're interested in diving deeper into metal techniques, our lessons at Riffhard are a fantastic resource, featuring insights from top metal guitarists. Happy playing!