Tuning the guitar to Open D is relatively simple. The 4th string (D string) is the one string that is common to both Open D and standard tuning. Since this string doesn't need to be retuned, it will be the reference point for retuning the guitar. The frets that will be used to retune the guitar are shown in dotted white in the Fretboard Map. Starting with the open 4th string,
- retune the 6th string one octave below the 4th,
- Do that by dropping the standard E pitch down one whole step to D
- and tune the 1st string one octave higher than the 4th.
- Do that by dropping the standard E pitch down one whole step to D
- Then using the A note on the 6th string, tune the 5th string to A
- Once you're at this point, compare the D on the 5th string to the 4th and make sure they are the same
- Now tune the 3rd string using the 4th fret of the 4th string (F#) as a reference
- Then tune the 2nd string using the 3rd fret of the 3rd string as a reference
- To check,
- is the 2nd string open one octave higher than the 5th string open?
- does the 5th fret of the 2nd string match the 1st string open?
- Strum all the strings open, does it sound like a harmonious D chord? If so, you're ready to go.