Open D Tuning - Chord Shapes and Inspiration for Songwriting

[@999jwb]

Thanks for posting. I started exploring open D a few years back and it opened up a new world of sounds on guitar for me. These days, whenever I try a new song one of the first things I do is to say 'I wonder what it sounds like in open D?' Some don't work but with quite a few I find it actually adds to the overall feel of the song, particulary those melodic and slower numbers.

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

I'll do another video soon on Open G - which also led to a song I'm currently producing. I agree, the open tunings lead to and add a very pleasing melodic element. Thanks for stopping by and for commenting. It is appreciated.

[@synkrotron]

thanks, Matthew 👍 that chord analyser looks great

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[@ashishawasthi4350]

Loved ur songs….❤

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

@ashishawasthi4350 Thank you. Very much appreciated.

[@jamesrodriquez2863]

I've watched a few open D videos, and something I've noticed is that chords can easily sound muddy to me when strumming because of the constant droning of the highest D and A. They seem to overpower whatever chord is being played. That works sometimes, but hearing it constantly just isn't pleasing to my ears. This tuning does, however, work wonderfully for fingerpicking and slide. When I've heard open D songs played that way, they sound great. BTW, I like your singing voice. Gonna go check out the rest of your videos.

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

I agree that full strumming on some chord shapes can be muddy or too full. This is especially true for chords using strings 4, 5, & 6. I guess, as with most things music, it comes down to awareness and taste. Specifically, for Marie, because the bass line runs down string 5 and 6, fingerpicking was necessary. My song, Coward and the Fool, uses the "same" tuning but capo'd on 5 (Open C). The chords are generally focused on strings 1-4 and when strings 5 or 6 are included, other strings are muted or de-emphasized. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment.

[@DrazenCika]

Thanks mate, this was an eye opener...I mean I knew some stuff, but this approach of just listening what you get by playing around with two center strings, this might work for me very well :-)

[@marcusgray7515]

Really appreciate the resources and the authentic approach. Thank you so much

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Thanks. I have another video on Open G tuning with a download of chord shapes.

[@micah3823]

EXCELLENT Video....Please continue doing these videos...They are so very helpful

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

I appreciate that @micah3823

[@jordanperlow3125]

Very helpful! Thank you!!

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm glad it was helpful. I keep meaning to do a video on open G tuning as well but I've allowed work and recording to dominate my time.

[@CandiceAM]

This is great, thank you!

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Thanks @CandiceAM. If you haven't seen it, I published a video on Open G tuning chord shapes the other day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHPPaXeia7GrfMU

[@hcnilsson]

Well explained with great chord charts👏

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Thanks sir.

[@PaganSkye]

Thanks for the lesson ❤❤❤

[@mitchpedley5243]

great video Thankyou

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting and letting me know.

[@raulbaez9715]

great video!

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Thanks!

[@bluesandlove10]

Thanks!

[@Sharkey1021]

This tuning is known throughout most the community as dad-G-ad, what is the logic behind tuning the G string down a half step when you can accomplish the EXACT same sounds and chords without even touching the G string? Just wondering

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

I'm familiar with DADGAD... but, even if close, that is not open D turning. Yes.. dadgad is often used. But there are plenty of songs written in Open D (or capo'd). For instance, She Talks to Angels is in Open E - but due to string tightness, I prefer to tune to Open D and capo on 2. The G string tuned down to F# becomes G#. This is correct for that song and the chord voicings used. The chord shapes would not be the same and the strings, all open, open would NOT be a D chord. The D does not have a G, it has an F#. While close, they are not the same and provide different options and benefits. Use either at your leisure and based on need.

[@xavierclaussen5024]

hey its that dude from braking bad

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Breaking Bad... Braking bad is that movie about the failing brake system in old Datsun B210s. Now that we've settled that... Say my name.

[@drumweaver]

gorgeous guitar… is the front koa wood or? x

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Hi @drumweaver. The guitar is a Gibson J45 - spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

[@MichaelBurke-o6k]

I get confused when you don't show all of the strings in your chord diagrams. It's so much easier when you show the chord diagrams rather than say " put your first finger on this fret " I like the video but again please show all strings in the chord diagrams 😊

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Probably a good idea. Not sure when I'll make a new video for this topic but, when/if I do, I'll take your suggestion to heart. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

[@MrBarrynicholas]

all sounds the same

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Not sure what you mean. You can't hear the tonal differences when only using partial chord shapes in open tuning? For sure more subtle than an entire chord shape but when played in a song or performance, it definitely creates a new sound. I'd play around with them and see what you come up with. If I misunderstood the comment, let me know.

[@MrBarrynicholas]

@ With any tuning and for whatever reason, the sound is most important. To me the droning and duplicate notes merge and become uninspiring.

[@MatthewMoranMusic]

Fair enough. I enjoy Open D and G but I'm experimenting with a few others. I also understand that, for certain voicings, playing only 3 or 4 strings is far better than playing all of them. In any case, thanks for stopping to comment.