Beyond Standard Tuning
Most guitarists spend their entire career in standard tuning (EADGBE). That's completely valid — standard tuning is versatile and well-understood. But open tunings offer a completely different sonic palette that has inspired some of the greatest guitar music ever recorded.
What Is an Open Tuning?
An open tuning is any tuning where the open strings (played without fretting) form a chord. When you strum all six strings in open G tuning, for example, you hear a G major chord.
Common Open Tunings
Open G (DGDGBD) The most popular open tuning in blues and rock. Keith Richards plays almost exclusively in open G. Slide guitar in open G has a rich, resonant sound.
Open D (DADF#AD) Similar to open G but a step lower. Joni Mitchell used open D extensively, creating her distinctive folk sound.
Open E (EBEG#BE) A favorite of blues players like Elmore James and Duane Allman. Slide guitar in open E is particularly expressive.
DADGAD Not a chord tuning but a modal tuning popular in Celtic and folk music. Creates a mysterious, open sound.
Slide Guitar
Open tunings are essential for slide guitar — playing with a glass or metal slide on your fretting hand. The slide moves across the strings at a fret, creating smooth, vocal-like glides between pitches.
Exploring Open Tunings
The best way to explore open tunings is with guidance. Our Omaha instructors can introduce you to the tunings that fit your musical interests and show you how to use them effectively.