Online Guitar Tuner - Open Tuning
Get your guitar perfectly tuned to open tunings
How to Use
Choose your tuning above, then click any string to hear the target note. Tune your guitar to match each pitch. Click "Play All Strings" to hear the full tuning sequence.
Ready to Master the Fretboard?
Unlock total fretboard freedom and stop guessing where the notes are with the Mastering Open D video course and eBook.
What is Open D Tuning?
Open D Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D), often referred to by blues historians as "Vestapol" tuning, is an alternative guitar tuning that creates a full D Major chord when the strings are played open. It is a cornerstone of slide guitar, fingerstyle folk, and delta blues.
By shifting the guitar’s harmonic center, Open D allows for rich, droning bass lines and easy "barre" chord shapes, making it a favorite for songwriters looking to break out of standard tuning ruts.
How to Tune to Open D
To transition from Standard EADGBE tuning, you must lower the pitch of four strings:
- String 6 (Low E): Down a full step to D
- String 5 (A): Stay at A
- String 4 (D): Stay at D
- String 3 (G): Down a half-step to F#
- String 2 (B): Down a full step to A
- String 1 (High E): Down a full step to D
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Open D tuning safe for my guitar?
Yes. Open D tuning actually reduces the total tension on your guitar's neck by approximately 15-20% compared to standard tuning. It is safer for vintage instruments and makes the strings feel more "supple" for slide work.
What is the difference between Open D and DADGAD?
The difference is in the 3rd string. In Open D, the 3rd string is F# (forming a Major chord). In DADGAD, it remains a G (forming a "suspended" chord), which sounds more "mystical" and is common in Celtic music.
A Few Famous Songs in Open D Tuning
How is Open E different from Open D?
The most important thing to understand is that Open E and Open D are the same type of tuning. They share the exact same intervals between the strings. This means that every chord shape, scale pattern, and slide lick you learn in Open D will work perfectly in Open E without any changes.
D - A - D - F# - A - D
E - B - E - G# - B - E
The only real difference is the pitch: To put it another way, if you put a capo on the second fret while in Open D tuning, you're now in Open E tuning.
It is the same story for Open C and Open B. These are simply the same "Major Chord" intervals shifted lower. Because the relationship between the strings remains identical, your fingerings never have to change—only the key you are playing in changes.
Free Amazing Grace Tab (Open D)
Get the guitar tab and transcription of our original arrangement for this wonderful song—custom-made for Open D Tuning.
The Open D Book
The definitive 80-page guide to mastering scales, triads, and fretboard logic in Open D.- Complete Fretboard Roadmap: Notes, Scales, and Chord shapes in Open D explained in detail.
- Step-by-Step Music Theory: Learn the "Why" behind the tuning, not just the "Where" to put your fingers.
- Instant Digital Access: Download the full 80-page curriculum immediately and start playing today.
The Open D Masterclass
Go beyond basic shapes. Learn to improvise, compose, and play with confidence in Open D."- 3+ Hours of Professional Videos spread across 42 in-depth Lessons.
- Massive 80-Page PDF Guide with 125 high-resolution diagrams and Step-by-Step Music Theory instruction.
- Master the Fretboard: Learn how Open D is the “secret weapon” for lush chords and effortless improvisation.
Guitar Transcriptions
Original Instrumental Guitar Tabs in Open D and Open C tuning- Full Album Charts & Tabs: Detailed PDF transcriptions for every track on the album, as well as Sheet Music Videos.
- Open D & Open C Exclusively: Master original compositions specifically written for these tunings.
- Detailed Chord Analysis: Includes full chord names to help you understand the harmonic structure.