Tuning Overview

The "Open D6" tuning for Guitar transforms your instrument into a vibrant, resonant soundscape primarily rooted in the key of D major. This tuning, D-A-D-F#-B-A, naturally forms a rich D6 chord when played open, offering immediate musicality for strumming, fingerstyle, and slide guitar. Its unique string arrangement provides both familiar foundations and exciting harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: D2 A2 D3 F#4 B3 A4
• Open Chord: Playing all strings open yields a D6 chord (D-F#-A-B). The notes D, A, D, F#, B, A provide the root, fifth, octave, major third, sixth, and fifth, respectively. This gives it a full, lush, and somewhat melancholic or sophisticated sound, depending on context.
• Root and Tonality: The strong presence of D (D2, D3) and its major third (F#4) firmly establish D major as the primary tonality. The A notes reinforce the perfect fifth.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open D Major: By simply muting or avoiding the B string (String 2), you can easily achieve a powerful D Major chord (D-A-D-F#-A).
  • Barre Chords: Barring all strings at any fret will produce a corresponding Major 6th chord. For example, barring at the 2nd fret yields an E6 chord.
  • Power Chords: The low D-A-D configuration (Strings 6, 5, 4) is excellent for creating resonant power chords, reminiscent of Drop D tunings.
  • Harmonic Movement: The B string (B3) acts as the 6th, offering a unique voice. Its position allows for interesting inversions and suspended qualities with minimal fret changes. The high A string (A4) can be used as a high drone or to extend chord voicings.
  • Fingerpicking & Slide: The open D6 chord provides an inspiring canvas for intricate fingerpicking patterns, while the open major tonality is perfect for slide guitar, allowing for bluesy or country licks.

How to Tune (from Standard E Tuning)

Follow these steps to set your guitar to the "Open D6" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 5 semitones to A4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for String 1 or proceed with care to avoid string breakage.