Popular Songs in Open D Tuning: Top Guitar Tracks You Need to Know

Open D tuning unlocks a world of rich sonic possibilities that’s captivated guitarists for generations. From blues legends like Robert Johnson to modern rock icons like The Rolling Stones this alternative tuning creates a distinctive sound that’s both powerful and haunting. When guitarists tune their strings to D-A-D-F#-A-D they discover an instantly accessible major chord that transforms the fretboard into new musical territory. This tuning has spawned countless classic songs across multiple genres including folk rock blues and alternative music. Many musicians find that Open D brings out creative elements in their playing they never knew existed.

Songs In Open D

Open D tuning transforms a guitar’s standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) into D-A-D-F#-A-D. The strings form a D major chord when strummed without pressing any frets, creating a resonant foundation for slide guitar techniques. The tuning alters specific strings from standard tuning:

• • Low E string drops to D

• • A string remains A

• • D string remains D

• • G string raises to F#

• • B string lowers to A

• • High E string lowers to D

This arrangement creates three distinct tonal zones:

1. 1. Bass strings (6th, 5th, 4th): D-A-D forms the root-fifth-root

1. 1. Middle strings (3rd, 2nd): F#-A provides the major third-fifth

1. 1. Top string (1st): D caps the chord with the root note

Here’s how the intervals stack up in Open D:

String Number	Note	Interval in D Major
1 (High)	D	Root
2	A	Fifth
3	F#	Major Third
4	D	Root
5	A	Fifth
6 (Low)	D	Root

The altered string tensions create unique sonic characteristics, enhancing sustain particularly for slide guitar playing. Musicians access one-finger barre chords by placing a single finger across any fret, producing major chords up the neck.

Popular Songs Written in Open D

Open D tuning features prominently in numerous iconic songs across multiple genres. Here’s a curated selection of famous tracks that showcase the versatility of this alternate tuning.

Classic Rock Favorites

• • “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes combines Open D with emotional vocals creating a signature southern rock sound

• • “Going to California” by Led Zeppelin uses Open D to craft its distinctive folk-influenced acoustic arrangement

• • “Running on Faith” by Eric Clapton demonstrates the tuning’s effectiveness for slide guitar work

• • “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes employs Open D to create its memorable guitar riff

• • “Street Fighting Man” by The Rolling Stones utilizes Open D for its driving acoustic rhythm

Artist	Song	Year Released
The Black Crowes	She Talks to Angels	1990
Led Zeppelin	Going to California	1971
The White Stripes	Seven Nation Army	2003
The Rolling Stones	Street Fighting Man	1968

• • “Death Letter” by Son House exemplifies traditional Delta blues in Open D

• • “Walkin’ Blues” by Robert Johnson features intricate fingerpicking patterns

• • “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” by Skip James showcases the tuning’s blues potential

• • “Little Martha” by The Allman Brothers Band demonstrates complex fingerstyle arrangements

• • “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James utilizes Open D for its iconic slide guitar intro

Artist	Song	Era
Son House	Death Letter	1965
Robert Johnson	Walkin’ Blues	1936
Skip James	Hard Time Killing Floor Blues	1931
Elmore James	Dust My Broom	1951

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open D

Open D tuning requires adjusting six strings from standard tuning to create a D major chord when strummed open. Here’s a detailed guide to achieve this tuning safely and accurately.

Standard Method

1. 1. Start with the low E string (6th) and tune down to D

1. 1. Leave the A string (5th) at its current pitch

1. 1. Leave the D string (4th) at its current pitch

1. 1. Tune the G string (3rd) up to F#

1. 1. Keep the B string (2nd) at A by tuning down

1. 1. Lower the high E string (1st) to D

String Number	Standard Note	Open D Note	Action Required
6th	E	D	Lower 2 steps
5th	A	A	No change
4th	D	D	No change
3rd	G	F#	Lower 1 step
2nd	B	A	Lower 1 step
1st	E	D	Lower 2 steps

• • Use a digital tuner for precise pitch adjustments

• • Tune gradually in multiple passes to maintain string stability

• • Check octave relationships between strings 6-1 (both D notes)

• • Verify the tuning by playing a barre chord at different frets

• • Adjust string gauge to 0.011-0.052 for optimal tension

• • Re-tune after 15 minutes as strings settle into new positions

• • Compare open strings to fretted notes for intonation accuracy

Playing Techniques for Open D

Open D tuning enables distinctive playing techniques that create rich, resonant sounds. The tuning’s configuration allows for both traditional and innovative approaches to guitar playing.

Slide Guitar Techniques

Slide guitar in Open D produces smooth, fluid transitions between notes through these methods:

• • Position the slide directly above the fret line for accurate intonation

• • Apply light pressure with the slide to prevent string buzz

• • Mute unused strings with the fretting hand fingers behind the slide

• • Target single notes on the 1st (high D) string for melodic lines

• • Create double-stop harmonies using the 1st and 2nd strings simultaneously

• • Execute full chord slides using all six strings for dramatic effect

• • Major chords: Single-finger barre across all strings at any fret

• • Minor chords: Barre plus first finger on the third string one fret lower

• • Dominant 7th: Barre plus first finger on the second string one fret lower

• • Add9 chords: Place fingers on the 7th fret of strings 1 and 2

• • Power chords: Use first three strings with a single-finger barre

• • Sus4 chords: Barre plus first finger on the first string two frets higher

Chord Type	Fret Position	Fingers Required
Major	Any fret	1 (barre)
Minor	Root + 3rd string -1	2
Dom7	Root + 2nd string -1	2
Add9	Root + 7th fret (1-2 strings)	3

Famous Musicians Who Use Open D

Open D tuning features prominently in the work of numerous influential musicians across multiple genres. Here are notable artists who have made significant contributions using this tuning:

Keith Richards

• • Employs Open D in Rolling Stones classics like “Street Fighting Man”

• • Used this tuning on iconic riffs in “Start Me Up” & “Honky Tonk Women”

• • Created the signature sound of “Happy” using Open D variations

Bob Dylan

• • Utilized Open D extensively during his folk period

• • Recorded “Oxford Town” & “Masters of War” in this tuning

• • Influenced countless folk musicians with his Open D arrangements

Bonnie Raitt

• • Mastered slide guitar techniques in Open D

• • Features the tuning in “Something to Talk About”

• • Incorporates Open D in her signature blues-rock style

Elmore James

• • Pioneered electric slide guitar in Open D

• • Created the classic “Dust My Broom” riff

• • Influenced generations of blues guitarists with his Open D style

John Fahey

• • Developed complex fingerpicking patterns in Open D

• • Recorded numerous American Primitive Guitar pieces using this tuning

• • Combined folk & blues elements in his Open D compositions

George Harrison

• • Used Open D in Beatles tracks like “Long Long Long”

• • Incorporated the tuning in his solo work “All Things Must Pass”

• • Explored Indian-influenced sounds using Open D variations

• • Created atmospheric textures in “Dream Brother” using Open D

• • Combined the tuning with effects for unique soundscapes

• • Wrote several unreleased compositions in this tuning

Each of these musicians demonstrates unique applications of Open D tuning, contributing to its enduring presence across blues, rock, folk & experimental music genres.

Benefits of Playing in Open D

Open D tuning provides multiple sonic advantages for guitarists across different playing styles:

• • Creates fuller chord voicings through natural resonance of open strings

• • Enables single-finger barre chords up the neck for efficient playing

• • Produces rich harmonic overtones ideal for fingerpicking patterns

• • Facilitates smooth slide guitar techniques with even string tension

• • Allows quick position shifts between chords without complex fingerings

The tuning offers practical benefits for composition and performance:

• • Simplifies complex chord progressions through intuitive finger positions

• • Enhances sustain due to balanced string tensions across the neck

• • Generates unique drone effects using open strings as pedal tones

• • Produces distinctive harmonic textures impossible in standard tuning

• • Enables rapid transitions between rhythmic and lead playing styles

Open D excels in specific musical applications:

Application	Benefit
Blues Slide	Enhanced sustain & natural major tonality
Folk Strumming	Rich open chord resonance
Rock Riffs	Powerful single-note lines with drone accompaniment
Fingerpicking	Clear note separation & improved dynamics
Lead Playing	Extended harmonics & natural chord tones

• • Creates major chords with a single finger across any fret

• • Enables complex jazz voicings through simplified finger positions

• • Forms natural harmonics at multiple fret positions

• • Generates suspended chords through minimal finger movement

• • Produces parallel harmony lines with consistent fingering patterns

Open D tuning opens up a world of sonic possibilities for guitarists of all skill levels. Its rich harmonic qualities and ease of use have made it a favorite among legendary musicians across blues rock and folk genres. From creating lush chord voicings to facilitating slide guitar techniques this alternative tuning continues to inspire creativity and innovation. Whether someone’s interested in writing new material exploring different playing styles or adding depth to their existing repertoire Open D tuning proves to be an invaluable tool. The combination of simplified chord shapes enhanced sustain and unique tonal characteristics makes it a compelling choice for any guitarist looking to expand their musical horizons.