in somewhat related news... radiohead just released "Follow Me Around" a tune in double drop D... so i guess you're right @Paul Davids is drop D becoming the guitarist version of pumpkin spice?
I absolutely love open d. Back in 2011 my dad died. He was old, born in 1927 and conceived me when he was 65, so it wasnt out of nowhere, but the last 4 years leading up to his death he developed Parkinson's and Dementia. When i was in his room while he was dying i decided to bring my acoustic and tuned to open d and was playing to ease him but also myself. I started coming up with a riff when he actually passed away. I took the next week and wrote a song to perform at his funeral as a tribute to him. Its now 11 years later and every time i tune to open d i get lost in the memory of my father. Its a really special tuning to me.
Orry, I lost the only person that meant anything to me last year. That was my Dad and he had dementia. He was born in 1931, he had a lot of good days struggling with it. I wish I could have done for him what you did for your Dad.
*fun fact* if you tune the G string to F instead of F# (DADFAD) you can simply switch from minor to major by putting your finger on that said string while barring the fret next to it. boom, you have now have access to 24 keys in the simplest way possible
That, or you could tune to D major, play with a slide, and change any major chord to minor by fretting the third string behind the slide (Sonny Landreth, I think).
I am 63 years old I’ve been playing guitar since I was five.. after breaking the E string my whole life . I learn to play with just five strings and that’s all I’ve used for 50 years ...I use this tuning and other tunings ...There’s such a freedom in guitar ...Play whatever is comfortable to you you don’t have to be standard tuning guy all the time… Appreciate this video
That's so interesting. If you want to give that E string a shot again you might want to try coated strings or just getting a single coated E string. They're harder to break these days for sure. That being said I don't really like coated strings and don't play as heavy-handed as I used to so I haven't broken a string in years. (It may also have something to do with how frequently I change them nowadays, which still isn't as frequent as a lot of guys but ya know once every month or two I go ahead and throw a fresh set on)
jajaja me too… now i also have a “12 string” which actually only has 7 strings … ie only the d and g strings are doubled up and no high e strings… and those 2 octave strings i use a much thicker gauge … for me its a great sound … and now i’m trying both guitars with open d … very fun
for those who would like their long lost "e" string back in their life ; try lightly filing the string slot on the nut. You may use a nail file, if you dont happen to own a set of luthiery tools like I don't. When the string slot is too tight it pinches the string, abrasion happens, and voila repetitive string breaking right at the nut. Sometimes the same repetitive problem could happen at the bridge of the saddle especially common if there is a metal burr on the bridge. Alternatively, one can use graphite to "lubricate" the string slots in either spot using the lead of a pencil.
me too e standard or open d, are the main tunings for me. nashville is cool but i need a standard tuned guitar with it the blend is amazing.i still like "finding" new chords in open tunings. It keeps you on your toes.
My guitar feels better with less tension… like it’s loosening the tie after a long day… Mine prefers D# standard and I just slap a Shubb capo on the 1st fret to be in E standard but with less tension. The only thing that gets me is years of fretboard muscle memory and having to adjust on the fly
I’m really happy for the open D content, one of my favorite alternate tunings, especially after learning about Joey landreth who plays in open C and wanting something a little more accessible since I’m not planning on changing everything about a guitar I own to make up for the lack of string tension
I love Open C, but instead of keeping the high E string, tuning that down to C so you have two identical strings playing C, and you get this really cool pseudo 12-string chorusing effect
I play only in open D in all my guitars over 13 years. I'm a slide player (Of course), but i also play funk, jazz and brasilian music. Using 9's in all my guitars. No need to change gauge, man. Greetings from Brazil.
One of my favorite things to do is exploring new tunings! My favorite band is Soundgarden, so learning one of their tunes then playing around in that tuning always excites me!
In 1968 I was sitting on the curb in Berkeley with the other hippies, with my little guitar I couldn’t play yet. Some black guys came along watching the zoo, and the youngest stopped and showed me how to tune to open d. I’ve been playing it ever since, and now I’ve finally gone electric. You’ve broadened what I can try with it. Thanks 🙏
I love this tuning since it's the most commonly used for the brazilian viola. Actually a tipical way in the brazilian "caipira music" to learn this tuning is using the "duet scales". This way you move across the fretboard playing two strings and start to learn the tonic and third of each chord in the scale. It sounds amazing with a drone string (or even all other strings open) in this 10 string instrument. I also love the open D minor tuning, it's dramatic and easier to play minor and major chords.
Totally agree with Open D. I discovered open D and Dadgad around the same time and I love moving back and forth. An Irish jig to deep Robert Johnson blues. Awesome video. Your playing is amazing too. 🎶👍
who says you can't teach an old dog(68) new tricks? Watched the vid, tuned down, and instantly my fingers felt the the difference in the string tension. I was always satisfied with the sound of my Amer Strat Ultra, but now, it does sound better. Thank-you Rhett!
Your videos on open and alternate tunings are some of my favorites. I always get inspired and would love to see you do more. I fell in love with alt tunings about 15 years ago for finger-style as a way to integrate bass and expand the range. I've included a large number of interesting tunings I've used over the years below. I've tried many but I eventually settled into playing mostly in C tunings with the following favorites: C Wahine (C-G-D-G-B-e) - ideal for songs like Vincent Black Lightning, Never Going Back Again, and Hawaiian Slack Key guitar Orkney (C-G-D-G-C-d) - hard to explain why I like this one but it's probably because I never know where it will lead me Open C (C-G-C-G-C-e) or Open C# - ideal for songs like Killing the Blues, Hidden Love (Peter Case song), and Going to California Open C# (C#-G#-C#-F-G#-c#) - ideal for playing in the style of Francis Dunnery (Soldier, Give Up and Let Go) Slide Guitar - preferred tunings for slide are dictated by the key of the song (so Open C, C#, G, D, and E are all perfectly good) * What all of these C tunings have in common is a huge bass tone, which is handy for solo performers. ** Want to play in a deeply dropped tuning but still use standard chords? Try Standard-ish C (C-G-C-G-A-D) Since your video is about Open D, I thought I'd throw in a few alternative D options for the truly adventurous: Bagpipe Tuning (D-A-A-E-A-e) - suited for Celtic music, extremely wide and lots of octave pairings (almost the A version of DADGAD) Open Dadd2 (D-A-D-F#-A-e) - I like to use this one for Christmas Carols D Modal or Double Dad (D-A-D-D-A-d) - Middle Eastern style music and oddly enough Suite Judy Blue Eyes Open Dm (D-A-D-F-A-d) - dark sounding Delta Blues (this was a favored tuning by Skip James) D without a cool name (D-G-C-F-C-c) - great for droning (think Colin Hay uses this in Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You) For the slightly less adventurous in D... but still adventurous! Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-d) - Naked As We Came (Iron and Wine), Overkill (Colin Hay), and Ghost in You (Psychedelic Furs) DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-d) - Norwegian Wood, Blood of Eden (Peter Gabriel), Wisteria (Richard Shindell), Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper) Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-d) - Call It a Lone and I'm Alive (Jackson Browne), Summer Wind, Cotton Dress (Richard Shindell), Holly and the Ivy And finally, two rather extreme Open Tunings I picked up from a Don Ross online lesson: Open Cm11 (C-G-Eb-F-Bb-D) - 6 different pitch classes on 6 different strings and really, really, really lush and moody Open F (F-A-C-F-C-F) - ***be careful - very high tension tuning*** - the tuning isn't exotic but the tonal quality is absolutely different *** choose your string gauge and the guitar you use carefully for up-tunings like Open F
That E flat sound with the capo on the 1st is some magical stuff man... slide has eluded me for years but I've just ordered a new tele and I'm going to force myself to keep it in open tuning for a while and get this down. Thanks for another shot of inspiration Rhett
Back in the 90's, I walked into a guitar shop in San Francisco, CA and fell in love with a wood bodied Dobro Duolian with the hula girl on the back. I bought it that day and it was tuned to open D. This was my first time playing in that tuning and I fell in love with it. I've tried a few others but my Dobro stays in open D. It's great for slide.
your best video my friend, great vibes great advice, i tuned my guitar open D in 2011 and stayed there till 2016, anything else seemed wrong, strangely never played any slide through that period, you make it sound real beautiful, big thanks for the reminder
Shoegazer just did an Open D video as well. I love open D. This was a great video Rhett! Thank you for your perspective and insights on this amazingly cool tuning!
I just discovered this tuning after buying a resonator guitar ... but I've discovered so many non-slide uses for this tuning that I love, especially the open-string chord voicings all over the neck
I only play slide...open E, C6th, and open G. I love your videos, after only 3 years playing, I am comfortable playing almost anything. I don't read music or understand what notes are what, I have learned to LISTEN which I feel is most important. I also had to learn when NOT to play. Thank you for all the information you give away like motel matches.
Done & done. I got 3 extras for open tunings - 2 more acoustics will be added for the same reason. I got lazy for a while - basically playing standard for session jobs on other people's music. Occasionally someone would come along and say "Can you play the backing in another tuning" and I'd say "right on" just for the opportunity to whack some alternatively tuned stuff - when playing on guitar - most of that work is behind the kit. But just recently I've had time to myself and time to play for me. New tunings were my first go to, NST - thanks Mr. Fripp - was set to a guitar strat copy and I thought, I'm leaving that there, I got another and added Open D, Then I left my 112 Yamaha in basic. My acoustics then get changed - so I had to buy 2 more dreadnoughts for Open D and G tunings as well as 1 in basic. They're all getting pic ups fitted now - with EQ. I got 3 tiny amps, 10 Watt VOX with built in Reverb and Trem, 15 Watt Fender basic, 15 Watt Squire Blues. I can then add which I want through the desk if I'm doing a big recording. I don't gig anymore with guitar so don't need all that nonsense. A new Soner kit is due, new to me anyway. I'd promised myself a fusion kit for intimate gigs a while back - soft sounds with brushes for a deep texture and perc' zing.
Oh absolutely! I keep my SG & resonator both in open D and they are great for writing as well as teaching an old dog (song) new tricks (cooler chord shapes) 👍
I always enjoy these alternate tuning videos you make, Rhett! I came across a tuning that is super inspiring to mess and around with and fun to play where you tune everything standard except the B string is down to an A. It's very nice sounding in A major and A minor especially. I haven't found any really good videos or much information on this tuning, but I think you and your audience would enjoy trying it out!
The radiohead singer/guitarist Thom Yorke uses EADGAE in Nice Dream + Airbag, the other two guitarists using EADGBE. Could never really get my fingers happy with it myself but I get it
@@Psyfonify I'll have to check that out! When I tried looking it up I did come across a few songs that use that tuning, but it's not common. I made some chord charts I use for it. I wish I could post them here 😔
Love open D and Dm and playing old country blues and John fahey tunes. I agree that the tunings lend themselves well to noodling around and coming up with your own songs. I mostly play open D on my acoustic guitar and keep my electric in standard, but it tends to collect dust on the wall as I prefer the open tunings, you’ve inspired me to get that electric tuned down to open d, set the action a smidge higher, and go up in string gauge as you suggest and use it for slide, which has been reserved for my cigar box guitars up until now. Thanks for the video and insights. Cheers!
I love Open D…. I’m the opposite tho where as Open G is my comfort zone (that’s the first open tuning I learned)…. I agree with other folks about the D minor tuning making it easier for major/minor chords AND less of a learning curve!
I have a guitar that's been in open D tuning for about 4 years LOL! I love it , it's cool to jump to that when things get stale or if you're in a rut. ✌💀👍🎸🎶🎵⚡
D is for DUDE!! You're talkin' my language. Try barre 5th fret, pinkie barre plain strings 8th, minor 7- moveable shape. Or try barre 9th fret, bass strings- 3rd string muted, 1,2 open- moveable. Great vid!! Ü
Best video on youtube on this open D tuning, I already used open tunings sometimes in this past years and I was looking for some interesting chords and licks, some for blues/country playing, some for major chords progression I don't play so much.... Great lesson!!
For me open A and G are my go to’s for slide and open tuning playing, also I never heard of open D like this, I always did open D by tuning the low E down and the top 3 strings up
Rhett have you ever thought about having merch, like T-shirts ? I like to support the channels I enjoy by wearing their merch, people like Anderson’s and that pedal show etc. I’d love a black tshirt with the Rhett Shull logo. Hope there’s one in the pipeline soon, thanks Rik in the UK
I was watching a video from a P&W guitarist and it autoplayed into this, and I didn't even notice until you started talking. Turns out the church guitar secret is a lot of open strings and ambient effects!
Just want to say thanks, Rhett. It was your recent Drop D vid alongside Paul Davids' video of the same topic that convinced me to try alternate tunings for the first time in some 30 years. It's been a revelation. Not only did I go for Open D, but I tried Open G to learn Led Zeppelin's "That's The Way". I haven't been this excited about guitar for 15 years.
I found a photo of the Nashville number system awhile ago, after I kept hearing people talk about the numbers of intervals. It was all I needed. But then I recently found another photo of the entire 15 key signatures, of major and harmonic minor, the numerals, whether they are mediant, subtonic, dominant, everything. It is so easy to put together chords from triads all the way to 13th chords, augmented, diminished. Just from this photo.
I had one of those creative accidental moments where I picked up my guitar and strummed a D open chord, not realising I was still in open D- it sounded cool and it became an idea for a song. It would of never happened if I wasn't in open D tuning. Great video Rhett.
Yeah man, it's that Open D time of the year again 😄
Hey Paul...do you and Rhett talk much? Lol
I smell a conspiracy 😒
Yeah, this is just a "coincidence"
in somewhat related news... radiohead just released "Follow Me Around" a tune in double drop D... so i guess you're right @Paul Davids
is drop D becoming the guitarist version of pumpkin spice?
lol, I didn't know which one to watch first!
I absolutely love open d. Back in 2011 my dad died. He was old, born in 1927 and conceived me when he was 65, so it wasnt out of nowhere, but the last 4 years leading up to his death he developed Parkinson's and Dementia. When i was in his room while he was dying i decided to bring my acoustic and tuned to open d and was playing to ease him but also myself. I started coming up with a riff when he actually passed away. I took the next week and wrote a song to perform at his funeral as a tribute to him. Its now 11 years later and every time i tune to open d i get lost in the memory of my father. Its a really special tuning to me.
Cap
Orry, I lost the only person that meant anything to me last year. That was my Dad and he had dementia. He was born in 1931, he had a lot of good days struggling with it. I wish I could have done for him what you did for your Dad.
@@davidpallin772 you’ll get there Fella, just keep on keeping on , Bless You and yours ..❤️👍🏻⭐️🌞
You should upload the song, would be great to listen to it
Damn now when I play in open D I will be thinking of a random person on RUclips's father. His memory lives on through you.
Key of D must have just released their new open tuning and decided to sponsor everyone
U win the music interwebs today.
I noticed that as well! I thought maybe Open D had died.
all hail open D!
Paul Davids: let’s talk about Open D tuning
Rhett Shull: hold my slide
Yeah, talk about coincidence.
@@RhettShull that’s at least the third time this happens 😂
It's the Clock Change time of year. Makes everyone feel more soulful without as much sun. That's my theory at least.
Waiting for David Bennett to put out "Songs that use Open D" including at least one by Radiohead.
Ten minutes later: Pete Thorne- why you should use Open D tuning
I don’t know what the hell I would do if that happened.
Um Paul Davids literally just did that
A little earlier Paul Davids released a Open D.😂
@@RhettShull now paul has a video. Are the old bluesman paying all the popular youtubers to do a lesson on open D?
Next up Rick Beato analyzes Open D harmonically.
So Open D is something that will be explored. Sounds amazing! Thanks for the video Rhett.
Cool to see you comment here, love your microphone reviews.
*fun fact*
if you tune the G string to F instead of F# (DADFAD) you can simply switch from minor to major by putting your finger on that said string while barring the fret next to it.
boom, you have now have access to 24 keys in the simplest way possible
I like your approach much better :)
Albert Collins tuning
@@billmahko5688 Oh wow. Didn't know that.
It’s literally just open D minor
That, or you could tune to D major, play with a slide, and change any major chord to minor by fretting the third string behind the slide (Sonny Landreth, I think).
I am 63 years old I’ve been playing guitar since I was five.. after breaking the E string my whole life . I learn to play with just five strings and that’s all I’ve used for 50 years ...I use this tuning and other tunings ...There’s such a freedom in guitar ...Play whatever is comfortable to you you don’t have to be standard tuning guy all the time… Appreciate this video
That's so interesting. If you want to give that E string a shot again you might want to try coated strings or just getting a single coated E string. They're harder to break these days for sure. That being said I don't really like coated strings and don't play as heavy-handed as I used to so I haven't broken a string in years. (It may also have something to do with how frequently I change them nowadays, which still isn't as frequent as a lot of guys but ya know once every month or two I go ahead and throw a fresh set on)
jajaja me too… now i also have a “12 string” which actually only has 7 strings … ie only the d and g strings are doubled up and no high e strings… and those 2 octave strings i use a much thicker gauge … for me its a great sound … and now i’m trying both guitars with open d … very fun
for those who would like their long lost "e" string back in their life ; try lightly filing the string slot on the nut. You may use a nail file, if you dont happen to own a set of luthiery tools like I don't. When the string slot is too tight it pinches the string, abrasion happens, and voila repetitive string breaking right at the nut. Sometimes the same repetitive problem could happen at the bridge of the saddle especially common if there is a metal burr on the bridge. Alternatively, one can use graphite to "lubricate" the string slots in either spot using the lead of a pencil.
In a constantly expanding universe, there is always room for another guitar in one's collection.
- A. Einstein
HA! so THAT explains it! I just KNEW there was a rational explanation... musta missed that day in physics class. Now I can stop obsessing over it!
That was Abraham Lincoln. I saw it on the interwebs.
I got into Open D through Ry Cooder - 35 years ago. It feels like my main tuning. Originally for slide, but everything now. Open D6 is nice too....
me too e standard or open d, are the main tunings for me. nashville is cool but i need a standard tuned guitar with it the blend is amazing.i still like "finding" new chords in open tunings. It keeps you on your toes.
Paul Davids just put up a video on Open D also. Is this a coincidence…or not? 🤔
Haha I was just thinking this, there was a symmetry with their previous videos on how to learn a lick/learn a song too! Conspiracy! Hehe
Same here was just about to ask the same question lol
@@ronaldwanders I still love Open E, especially for Duane Allman’s “Little Martha.”
Edit: I was missing the close quote.
Very cool! I’ve always said that multiple tunings are guitar multipliers…so which one is going into open D hmmmm…
Rhett is a very good man and a great guitarist, all the best to him and the band
God blass your family 🙏
Peace 👍
Can sing.
Something with a nice bright tone to accentuate those ringing notes
been playing for 17 years and never tried open D, fricken beautiful eh bud! Thanks for the video Rhett
I’ve been playing in D standard for years. I can’t go back. The guitar just sounds better.
My guitar feels better with less tension… like it’s loosening the tie after a long day… Mine prefers D# standard and I just slap a Shubb capo on the 1st fret to be in E standard but with less tension. The only thing that gets me is years of fretboard muscle memory and having to adjust on the fly
I’m really happy for the open D content, one of my favorite alternate tunings, especially after learning about Joey landreth who plays in open C and wanting something a little more accessible since I’m not planning on changing everything about a guitar I own to make up for the lack of string tension
Pete Thorn too.
I love Open C, but instead of keeping the high E string, tuning that down to C so you have two identical strings playing C, and you get this really cool pseudo 12-string chorusing effect
@@tompoynton also gay
Joey Is a MONSTER. Ariel Possen as well.
I play only in open D in all my guitars over 13 years. I'm a slide player (Of course), but i also play funk, jazz and brasilian music.
Using 9's in all my guitars.
No need to change gauge, man.
Greetings from Brazil.
I've had my 12 string in open D for over 20 years. Sounds amazing that way. Great video!
open D 12 !!!!! how full is that!
Cool lesson and I agree that open D is lovely. I also love that Firebird Univibe connection.
Thanks so much...
Old man here at 79yrs and know just enough cords to be dangerous but now trying this open D tuning and it's a new world for me.....
Wonderful video.
JOANN(OPEN TUNING (C)2006 and GOODBYE c)2006 were both recorded using OPEN D TUNING.
"for busting out of ruts" Absolutely spot on! I get bored and into ruts and a change of tuning later and all of a sudden, I'm in a new world!
One of my favorite things to do is exploring new tunings! My favorite band is Soundgarden, so learning one of their tunes then playing around in that tuning always excites me!
In 1968 I was sitting on the curb in Berkeley with the other hippies, with my little guitar I couldn’t play yet. Some black guys came along watching the zoo, and the youngest stopped and showed me how to tune to open d. I’ve been playing it ever since, and now I’ve finally gone electric. You’ve broadened what I can try with it. Thanks 🙏
I love this tuning since it's the most commonly used for the brazilian viola. Actually a tipical way in the brazilian "caipira music" to learn this tuning is using the "duet scales". This way you move across the fretboard playing two strings and start to learn the tonic and third of each chord in the scale. It sounds amazing with a drone string (or even all other strings open) in this 10 string instrument. I also love the open D minor tuning, it's dramatic and easier to play minor and major chords.
David Gilmore also likes open D minor tuning. I believe that's how he tunes one of his lap steel guitars.
I concur
@ Gustavo: Thanks for this, I didn't know this.
Would you have a suggestion of a video on RUclips of playing duet scales on a Brazilian viola?
Open D is sponsoring videos now?
Bro I'm dead 😂
As someone who is blessed with more than short fingers, and not a lot of finger dexterity, open D is my top choice. :D
I enjoy playing slide in open D because it has such a great tone.
Totally agree with Open D. I discovered open D and Dadgad around the same time and I love moving back and forth. An Irish jig to deep Robert Johnson blues. Awesome video. Your playing is amazing too. 🎶👍
who says you can't teach an old dog(68) new tricks? Watched the vid, tuned down, and instantly my fingers felt the the difference in the string tension. I was always satisfied with the sound of my Amer Strat Ultra, but now, it does sound better. Thank-you Rhett!
Open-D on my Strat is my favourite slide tuning too. You get some gorgeous, swampy Ry Cooder tones just leap out of nowhere.
Always learning somthing new from Rhett ...Thank you so much!
Your videos on open and alternate tunings are some of my favorites. I always get inspired and would love to see you do more. I fell in love with alt tunings about 15 years ago for finger-style as a way to integrate bass and expand the range. I've included a large number of interesting tunings I've used over the years below.
I've tried many but I eventually settled into playing mostly in C tunings with the following favorites:
C Wahine (C-G-D-G-B-e) - ideal for songs like Vincent Black Lightning, Never Going Back Again, and Hawaiian Slack Key guitar
Orkney (C-G-D-G-C-d) - hard to explain why I like this one but it's probably because I never know where it will lead me
Open C (C-G-C-G-C-e) or Open C# - ideal for songs like Killing the Blues, Hidden Love (Peter Case song), and Going to California
Open C# (C#-G#-C#-F-G#-c#) - ideal for playing in the style of Francis Dunnery (Soldier, Give Up and Let Go)
Slide Guitar - preferred tunings for slide are dictated by the key of the song (so Open C, C#, G, D, and E are all perfectly good)
* What all of these C tunings have in common is a huge bass tone, which is handy for solo performers.
** Want to play in a deeply dropped tuning but still use standard chords? Try Standard-ish C (C-G-C-G-A-D)
Since your video is about Open D, I thought I'd throw in a few alternative D options for the truly adventurous:
Bagpipe Tuning (D-A-A-E-A-e) - suited for Celtic music, extremely wide and lots of octave pairings (almost the A version of DADGAD)
Open Dadd2 (D-A-D-F#-A-e) - I like to use this one for Christmas Carols
D Modal or Double Dad (D-A-D-D-A-d) - Middle Eastern style music and oddly enough Suite Judy Blue Eyes
Open Dm (D-A-D-F-A-d) - dark sounding Delta Blues (this was a favored tuning by Skip James)
D without a cool name (D-G-C-F-C-c) - great for droning (think Colin Hay uses this in Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You)
For the slightly less adventurous in D... but still adventurous!
Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-d) - Naked As We Came (Iron and Wine), Overkill (Colin Hay), and Ghost in You (Psychedelic Furs)
DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-d) - Norwegian Wood, Blood of Eden (Peter Gabriel), Wisteria (Richard Shindell), Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper)
Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-d) - Call It a Lone and I'm Alive (Jackson Browne), Summer Wind, Cotton Dress (Richard Shindell), Holly and the Ivy
And finally, two rather extreme Open Tunings I picked up from a Don Ross online lesson:
Open Cm11 (C-G-Eb-F-Bb-D) - 6 different pitch classes on 6 different strings and really, really, really lush and moody
Open F (F-A-C-F-C-F) - ***be careful - very high tension tuning*** - the tuning isn't exotic but the tonal quality is absolutely different
*** choose your string gauge and the guitar you use carefully for up-tunings like Open F
That E flat sound with the capo on the 1st is some magical stuff man... slide has eluded me for years but I've just ordered a new tele and I'm going to force myself to keep it in open tuning for a while and get this down. Thanks for another shot of inspiration Rhett
Great video! Thanks for posting. I always hear bits of "Little Martha" in open D. Crazy how this tuning brings that all together.
Yep, awesome, thank you!
Open D was the first alternate tuning I ever learned over 20 years ago now and I always go back it, like a comfort blanket
Back in the 90's, I walked into a guitar shop in San Francisco, CA and fell in love with a wood bodied Dobro Duolian with the hula girl on the back. I bought it that day and it was tuned to open D. This was my first time playing in that tuning and I fell in love with it. I've tried a few others but my Dobro stays in open D. It's great for slide.
Been keeping my main guitar in open D for a few years now and it's my go-to on acoustic.
Haha just finished watching a video from Paul davids about open D this is going to be fun!
your best video my friend, great vibes great advice, i tuned my guitar open D in 2011 and stayed there till 2016, anything else seemed wrong, strangely never played any slide through that period, you make it sound real beautiful, big thanks for the reminder
I tried this tuning a couple weeks ago and found it very difficult. I finally made a song from it that makes sense. Definitely fun!
Shoegazer just did an Open D video as well. I love open D. This was a great video Rhett! Thank you for your perspective and insights on this amazingly cool tuning!
Locks like yahoo and Paul Davids are on the same page - I just watched his video on this same subject
I just discovered this tuning after buying a resonator guitar ... but I've discovered so many non-slide uses for this tuning that I love, especially the open-string chord voicings all over the neck
I only play slide...open E, C6th, and open G. I love your videos, after only 3 years playing, I am comfortable playing almost anything. I don't read music or understand what notes are what, I have learned to LISTEN which I feel is most important. I also had to learn when NOT to play. Thank you for all the information you give away like motel matches.
Done & done. I got 3 extras for open tunings - 2 more acoustics will be added for the same reason. I got lazy for a while - basically playing standard for session jobs on other people's music. Occasionally someone would come along and say "Can you play the backing in another tuning" and I'd say "right on" just for the opportunity to whack some alternatively tuned stuff - when playing on guitar - most of that work is behind the kit. But just recently I've had time to myself and time to play for me.
New tunings were my first go to, NST - thanks Mr. Fripp - was set to a guitar strat copy and I thought, I'm leaving that there, I got another and added Open D, Then I left my 112 Yamaha in basic.
My acoustics then get changed - so I had to buy 2 more dreadnoughts for Open D and G tunings as well as 1 in basic. They're all getting pic ups fitted now - with EQ. I got 3 tiny amps, 10 Watt VOX with built in Reverb and Trem, 15 Watt Fender basic, 15 Watt Squire Blues. I can then add which I want through the desk if I'm doing a big recording. I don't gig anymore with guitar so don't need all that nonsense.
A new Soner kit is due, new to me anyway. I'd promised myself a fusion kit for intimate gigs a while back - soft sounds with brushes for a deep texture and perc' zing.
One of the best descriptions of how to use open tunings…big AHA moment…thank you…
What a beautiful versatile guitar player! Great work!
Very inspirational video. Well done, Rhett.
Oh absolutely! I keep my SG & resonator both in open D and they are great for writing as well as teaching an old dog (song) new tricks (cooler chord shapes) 👍
I always enjoy these alternate tuning videos you make, Rhett! I came across a tuning that is super inspiring to mess and around with and fun to play where you tune everything standard except the B string is down to an A. It's very nice sounding in A major and A minor especially. I haven't found any really good videos or much information on this tuning, but I think you and your audience would enjoy trying it out!
The radiohead singer/guitarist Thom Yorke uses EADGAE in Nice Dream + Airbag, the other two guitarists using EADGBE. Could never really get my fingers happy with it myself but I get it
@@Psyfonify I'll have to check that out! When I tried looking it up I did come across a few songs that use that tuning, but it's not common. I made some chord charts I use for it. I wish I could post them here 😔
Not to be outdone, Rick just invented a tuning he calls Open R.
🤣
Gay
In the butt.
What?
Loving the firebird mucho!
Rhett, sometimes I dont even care what the video is about. I just like to listen to your soothing voice and hear a guitar being played. Thx, man.
That firebird is too freaking cool!
"it sounds so lush and beautiful" that could just be the Firebird, Rhett lol.
I LOVE OPEN D!! It’s so easy to come up with riffs and play slide with! 🤘
listened to alejandro aranda play in open d a few years ago and never looked back. its my new standard tuning
Have to try it for sure! Thanks Rhett...🎸🎸🎸
Found Open D tuning while trying to learn Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate". Simply Beautiful.
Perhaps your best video yet...this one is a must-watch...for all guitarists...
I can finally play lead with Open D, since Im self taught and don't know scales very well, having fun with it, thx for the tips
Absolutely right about lush. This has the power of an organ sound to it.
Love open D and Dm and playing old country blues and John fahey tunes. I agree that the tunings lend themselves well to noodling around and coming up with your own songs. I mostly play open D on my acoustic guitar and keep my electric in standard, but it tends to collect dust on the wall as I prefer the open tunings, you’ve inspired me to get that electric tuned down to open d, set the action a smidge higher, and go up in string gauge as you suggest and use it for slide, which has been reserved for my cigar box guitars up until now. Thanks for the video and insights. Cheers!
Woa cool someone who knows John
I love Open D…. I’m the opposite tho where as Open G is my comfort zone (that’s the first open tuning I learned)…. I agree with other folks about the D minor tuning making it easier for major/minor chords AND less of a learning curve!
Love that this video popped up. I played one of my instrumentals the other night, and it's in Open D. Love this tuning for years!
I have a guitar that's been in open D tuning for about 4 years LOL!
I love it , it's cool to jump to that when things get stale or if you're in a rut.
✌💀👍🎸🎶🎵⚡
Open D slide with Harmonic Tremolo...literally my favorite thing to do!!!
Thanks Rhett! Awesome video
Thanks Rhett, great lesson
Paul Davids just post a Open D video!!!
D is for DUDE!! You're talkin' my language. Try barre 5th fret, pinkie barre plain strings 8th, minor 7- moveable shape. Or try barre 9th fret, bass strings- 3rd string muted, 1,2 open- moveable. Great vid!! Ü
OK, now you and Paul have do a live Open D Guitar Battle
Best video on youtube on this open D tuning, I already used open tunings sometimes in this past years and I was looking for some interesting chords and licks, some for blues/country playing, some for major chords progression I don't play so much....
Great lesson!!
That sound cures every disease
For me open A and G are my go to’s for slide and open tuning playing, also I never heard of open D like this, I always did open D by tuning the low E down and the top 3 strings up
This made my week. Thank you. Gonna raise the action and increase string gauge for my tele to do exactly as recommended.
This just inspired me! another great video!!
Rhett have you ever thought about having merch, like T-shirts ? I like to support the channels I enjoy by wearing their merch, people like Anderson’s and that pedal show etc. I’d love a black tshirt with the Rhett Shull logo. Hope there’s one in the pipeline soon, thanks Rik in the UK
I was watching a video from a P&W guitarist and it autoplayed into this, and I didn't even notice until you started talking. Turns out the church guitar secret is a lot of open strings and ambient effects!
I Keep one of my Lap Steels in Open D tuning ! You left out one thing ! Always Have Put your Slid on top of the Fret Wire Thanks
Great intro to open D! I personally like open D minor a bit more. Easy as changing the F# to an F natural.
Just want to say thanks, Rhett. It was your recent Drop D vid alongside Paul Davids' video of the same topic that convinced me to try alternate tunings for the first time in some 30 years. It's been a revelation. Not only did I go for Open D, but I tried Open G to learn Led Zeppelin's "That's The Way". I haven't been this excited about guitar for 15 years.
Such a great tuning. Great example: (ex) Catheads, "Fog Rolls Out", Spotify.
I found a photo of the Nashville number system awhile ago, after I kept hearing people talk about the numbers of intervals. It was all I needed. But then I recently found another photo of the entire 15 key signatures, of major and harmonic minor, the numerals, whether they are mediant, subtonic, dominant, everything. It is so easy to put together chords from triads all the way to 13th chords, augmented, diminished. Just from this photo.
Absolutely gorgeous tuning! Great Lesson, Thank You!
Thank you ,loving open D !!! Can't seem to get away from it now,slide never made so much sense.
That sounded so insanely good the entire time. Totally intrigued!
I often use open tuning on my baritone. If you think the guitar growls tuned down to D, try it in B or C 👍
I’ve been using this tuning for 20 years. I have an entire album where I use tuning.
I think you must have decided to keep that Firebird after all. That thing is sweet. I'm jealous.
Been wanting to get into using this tuning to help my music stand out
I had one of those creative accidental moments where I picked up my guitar and strummed a D open chord, not realising I was still in open D- it sounded cool and it became an idea for a song. It would of never happened if I wasn't in open D tuning. Great video Rhett.
Thanks Rhett, I'm going to try D tuning. You opened up a door to walk thru.
Going with the edge's tone for the intro then.... I love it
I tried this over this past weekend. I'm not much of a guitarist. But, man! it sounds great. Thanks!
Dada's Puzzle album had a few tunes in Open D. Mary Sunshine Rain is one of my favorites.
Superb Tuition indeed ☆
Seems pretty D-lightful!
I've got an acoustic in open G, maybe its time to tune it up
Thanks, Rhett!
dig it! thanks for posting dude!