Open Tunings

Open tunings are alternative ways of tuning a guitar’s strings so that when played open (without pressing down on any fret), the strings form a specific chord. Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E, but open tunings modify this setup, often to simplify playing chords or create new sounds. For example, in open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D), strumming plays a D major chord naturally. Musicians use open tunings to facilitate slide guitar techniques, explore unique tonalities, and make certain chord shapes more accessible, offering a richer palette of harmonic possibilities.