Frequently Asked Questions

What is an open tuning on guitar?

An open tuning is a guitar tuning where the open strings form a chord when played together. For example, Open D tuning is D A D F# A D, which forms a D major chord.

Can beginners learn open tunings?

Yes. Beginners can learn open tunings, especially if they start with one tuning and stay with it for a while. Open D is a good first choice because the tuning is simple, stable, and easy to understand.

What is the best open tuning to start with?

I recommend starting with Open D. You only tune strings down from standard tuning, the open strings form a clear major chord, and the root is on the sixth string. That makes it easier to understand than many other open tunings.

Do I need special strings for open tunings?

Usually, no. For Open D and DADGAD, you are mostly tuning strings down from standard tuning, so normal acoustic or electric guitar strings should work fine. Tunings that require raising strings, such as Open E or Open A, create more tension and may require more care.

Which open tunings are included in the online tuner?

The online tuner includes Open D, DADGAD, Open G, Open C, Open A, Open E, Open Dm, Open Gm, Open Am, Open Em, Open Cm, and G Modal.

How do I tune my guitar to an open tuning?

Choose a tuning from the menu, then use the mic tuner, the step-by-step instructions, or the reference tones. The page updates automatically for the tuning you choose.

Can I tune without using the microphone?

Yes. You can use the reference tones instead. Click a string and tune your guitar until your string matches the tone.

What does each open tuning sound like?

Here are short open-string strums for each tuning included on this page.

To hear what the High Drone Method sounds like, go to this page.

Is DADGAD an open tuning?

Yes, but the open strings form a suspended chord (Dsus4) rather than a plain major or minor chord. That is why it has a more open, unresolved sound. The same is true for G Modal, which creates a Gsus4 chord.

What is the difference between Open D and DADGAD?

Open D is D A D F# A D, so the open strings form a D major chord. DADGAD is D A D G A D, so the open strings form a Dsus4 chord. Open D has a clearer major sound, while DADGAD has a more suspended sound.

What is Vestapol tuning?

Vestapol tuning usually refers to open major tunings with the interval pattern 1-5-1-3-5-1. Open D tuning, D A D F# A D, is a common example. So is Open E tuning, E B E G# B E. In practice, when guitarists talk about Vestapol tuning, they often mean Open D or Open E, especially in blues, slide guitar, and folk contexts.

Are open tunings only useful in one key?

No. The name of an open tuning tells you what chord the open strings form, but it does not mean you can only play in that key. With the right chord shapes, you can use open tunings in many different keys. For example, check out the High Drone Method.

What should I learn after tuning my guitar?

Once your guitar is in tune, the next step is to learn some basic chords. Check out my free online lesson Get Started with Open Tunings.