Tuning #1: Double Drop D

To try this tuning, simply drop both high and low E strings by a tone, giving (low to high): DADGBD. Neil Young is fond of this tuning; check out CinnamonGirl and CortezTheKiller.

Example 1

This Em7 makes use of the open first string, giving us the 7th (D) as the top note. We’re fretting the sixth string at the 2nd fret, giving us the root (E) we would have if we left this string in standard tuning. But we will be making use of this soon…

Example 2

While we’re in open position, this is what happens when we use a Cmaj7 shape. The 9th (D) is provided by the open first string. Play a regular C chord and you’ll get Cadd9.

Example 3

The 6th (D) appears on the open fourth and first strings here, giving this chord an unusual feel, very Nick Harper in style. Like Examples 1 and 2, this chord features open strings, so strictly speaking it isn’t movable. But why not try anyway?

Example 4

As you can see, this tuning allows for quite a few ‘standard’ chord shapes (similar to open G), but the open D strings do allow us to stretch out a little. In case you haven’t already guessed, the add11 (D) is our trusty open first string!

Example 5

Open tunings don’t necessarily have to mean open chords – this example uses all six strings with a barre at the 2nd fret. It looks like a Bm7, but the detuned first and sixth strings completely change the harmony, giving us this hybrid of D and E chords that constitutes E11.

Example 6

Hopefully by now, we’ve dispelled any myths that open tunings are only for folk songs! This ‘James Bond’ chord features a (F), giving it the ‘minor’ part of the name, plus a major 7th (C#), giving us the ‘major’ in the form of a maj7th. Finally, we get the 9th (E) on the first string. All done with just two fingers!