Understanding the Open Dmaj6 Tuning

This unique tuning, which we've named Open Dmaj6, offers a rich and distinctive sound, evolving from a standard Open D framework. The original user noted its utility for a "custom solo," highlighting its potential for creative and expressive playing. It provides a full, harmonically interesting canvas, particularly appealing for blues, folk, or contemporary styles where a lush open chord sound is desired.

Technical Analysis

The Open Dmaj6 tuning sets the strings to D2-A2-D3-F#4-B3-F#5 (from low E to high E string). When strummed open, these notes combine to form a beautiful D Major 6th chord (D - F# - A - B). This differs from a standard Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) primarily by the 2nd string being tuned to B (instead of A) and the 1st string being tuned to F# (instead of D), providing the characteristic Dmaj6 voicing.

Let's break down the intervals relative to the root D:

• Low D (6th string): Root (D)
• A (5th string): Perfect 5th (A)
• D (4th string): Octave (D)
• F# (3rd string): Major 3rd (F#)
• B (2nd string): Major 6th (B)
• F# (1st string): Major 10th / Octave of Major 3rd (F#)

Open Chords and Playability

The natural resonance of the Dmaj6 chord when strummed open is the hallmark of this tuning. This makes it excellent for:

• Slide Guitar: The open Dmaj6 provides a strong harmonic foundation for slide playing, with easy access to consonant notes.
• Barre Chords: By simply barring all six strings at any fret, you can effortlessly create other Major 6th chords. For instance, barring at the 1st fret yields an Ebmaj6, at the 2nd fret an Emaj6, and so on. This simplifies chord progressions that utilize major 6th voicings.
• Fingerstyle: The wide intervals and specific voicings can inspire unique fingerpicking patterns and harmonies.

While the open strings form a Dmaj6, the availability of D, F#, and A within the tuning also means that traditional D major shapes and triads are easily accessible, with the B note adding a sophisticated extension.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open Dmaj6 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise steps:

• 6th String (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings your Low E string to D2.
• 5th String (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your A string remains A2.
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your D string remains D3.
• 3rd String (G to F#4): Tune down 1 semitone. This changes your G string to F#4.
• 2nd String (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your B string remains B3.
• 1st String (High E to F#5): Tune up 2 semitones. This raises your High E string to F#5. Please exercise caution when tuning up strings, especially by 2 semitones. While not exceeding the recommended +/- 4 semitone threshold, frequent use of this upward adjustment may benefit from considering a slightly lighter gauge string for the 1st string to reduce tension and potential breakage.

The Open Dmaj6 tuning consists of the following notes for each string, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: F#4
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: F#5