The D (Modal) tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument, ideal for a wide range of musical styles from folk and Celtic to ambient and rock. This open tuning creates a powerful D Major chord when strummed openly, providing a strong and inspiring harmonic foundation.

Technical Analysis

Derived from standard EADGBe tuning, D (Modal) reconfigures the guitar to an open D-A-D-D-A-D chord. The most distinctive feature is the duplicated D on the 3rd and 4th strings, which enhances the drone quality and provides a unique sonic texture. This configuration, often referred to as a variant of DADGAD (where the 3rd string is G), focuses heavily on the tonic D and its dominant A, making it exceptionally versatile for modal playing, particularly in D Dorian, D Mixolydian, or straightforward D Major compositions.

Playing Possibilities

• Open Chords: Strumming all open strings yields a full and resonant D Major chord. This makes for immediate satisfaction and easy accompaniment.
• Movable Shapes: Barre chords become incredibly simple; a single finger across a fret will yield major chords (e.g., fret 2 for E, fret 3 for F, fret 5 for G, etc.), while minor chords can often be achieved with minimal finger adjustments.
• Drone Capabilities: The multiple D and A strings are perfect for creating rich, sustained drones, enhancing Celtic, folk, and ambient music. The doubled D on the middle strings offers unique voicings.
• Melodic Freedom: The open tuning provides a vast canvas for melodic exploration, with many notes of the D major scale readily available on open strings or at low frets.

How to Tune to D (Modal)

Here's how to adjust your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning to D (Modal):

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. For regular use or optimal playability, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position to prevent floppiness and maintain intonation.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully and ensure your instrument is properly intonated after changing tunings significantly.

The D (Modal) tuning sets your guitar strings to the following notes:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4