The open D minor tuning is often associated with songs that evoke an oppressive or sorrowful atmosphere, particularly blues and folk tunes that focus on struggle or emotional suffering.
Many familiar chord shapes work beautifully in open D minor tuning, which provides easier finger positions that help facilitate sliding between chords with a guitar slide.
E Minor
Em is one of the most frequently utilized minor chords and an excellent place to start when exploring open D tuning. It provides an ideal voicing for barre chords that fits well with various musical styles and works great when used for barre chords.
Open D Minor guitar tuning differs from standard EADGBE by only changing four strings at once; when strumming chords can be played without fingers butting against other strings and muting notes.
The Eagles were adept at seamlessly mixing blues, folk, country and rock music into one cohesive soundscape. In their 1973 song “Bitter Creek,” they utilized an open D minor chord to convey feelings of loss and nostalgia. Furthermore, DADF#AD tuning is an excellent choice for Celtic guitar playing as it complements jigs, reels, songs and hornpipes perfectly while providing ample opportunity for flatpicking techniques.
G Minor
G minor chords evoke feelings of worry, regret and melancholy when tuned with open D tuning; specifically when altered only one string for added intensity. G Minor chords provide the ideal base to add this atmosphere into any music piece you perform or compose.
Like an E Minor chord, G minor can also be created using the fifth fret bar by placing your ring finger on strings 2, 3, and 5. Or as Lounge Primate suggested, simply leave the fourth string open by playing only three strings above it.
No matter if you want to explore the expressive allure of blues or create somber mood songs with your songs, open d minor tuning can open up a host of musical possibilities and new perspectives on your instrument. Here are a few songs to get started with open d minor tuning:
A Minor
Open D minor tuning makes only subtle modifications to four strings on your guitar, dropping them down a few steps for a full and resonant tone. It offers an alternative approach to standard tuning that provides an intriguing sonic landscape; experiment with various fingering and strumming patterns to see how they accentuate its distinctive qualities.
As with DADGAD and Drop D tunings, this variant allows easy power chord playing by barring three strings at the top. Furthermore, using major seventh chords instead of triads adds depth and texture to melodies and harmonies.
The Eagles made use of this tuning on their song “Bitter Creek,” a ballad about outlaw George Newcomb. Its somber tone creates a feeling of danger and loss that fits perfectly within this genre of music.
B Minor
Although EADGBE tuning may be the default choice for beginning guitarists, exploring alternative tunings can open up a whole world of chords and sounds. B minor in open D tuning is especially well suited to blues music; its flatness allows you to bar chords across all six strings without clashing against one another or muted notes.
To play a B minor chord in open D, fret the first and fifth strings with your index finger before strumming them with an open D tuning. Many folk artists utilize this tuning, including Allen Maslen of Meet On The Ledge who uses it on songs such as Only Angels and Gas Street Shuffle; Silverchair also employs this same tuning in their song Black Balloon.
C Minor
While standard EADGBE guitar tuning may be ideal for new guitarists, learning other alternate tunings can expand your abilities and open up new chords and scales.
C Minor tuning takes the same notes as D major, but lowers one string (E1). This results in an interesting chord which sounds fantastic when strung.
Open D Tuning is also a fantastic tuning to learn if you want a mellower accompaniment for vocals; check out Essential Chord Voicings in Open D Tuning ebook for charts and more voicing options for this tuning.
The Eagles were masters of sound, frequently employing varied tunings like this on their 1973 song “Bitter Creek.” This track delves into outlaw life while featuring elements from country, folk, and blues music genres.