Open D Tuning | What EVERYONE Should Know

[@PaulDavids]

Yeah man, it's that Open D time of the year again 😄

[@brianwood7237]

Hey Paul...do you and Rhett talk much? Lol

[@NickAdelman]

I smell a conspiracy 😒

[@jasonremy1627]

Yeah, this is just a "coincidence"

[@NickAdelman]

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?

[@davedavem]

lol, I didn't know which one to watch first!

[@jonathanleppert1912]

Key of D must have just released their new open tuning and decided to sponsor everyone

[@bradswanson6788]

U win the music interwebs today.

[@Barry101er]

I noticed that as well! I thought maybe Open D had died.

[@fredstevens799]

all hail open D!

[@orryfishburne5326]

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.

[@meatyourfuneral2980]

Cap

[@davidpallin772]

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.

[@dodgedandle8311]

@@davidpallin772 you’ll get there Fella, just keep on keeping on , Bless You and yours ..❤️👍🏻⭐️🌞

[@ben6993]

You should upload the song, would be great to listen to it

[@N7_J3T]

Damn now when I play in open D I will be thinking of a random person on KZbin's father. His memory lives on through you.

[@Brianpedrozaofficial]

Ten minutes later: Pete Thorne- why you should use Open D tuning

[@RhettShull]

I don’t know what the hell I would do if that happened.

[@OokisMcFlookis]

Um Paul Davids literally just did that

[@hiimawasteoftime8678]

A little earlier Paul Davids released a Open D.😂

[@gavinw5469]

@@RhettShull now paul has a video. Are the old bluesman paying all the popular youtubers to do a lesson on open D?

[@joeswilkins1]

Next up Rick Beato analyzes Open D harmonically.

[@davidoreilly7328]

Paul Davids: let’s talk about Open D tuning Rhett Shull: hold my slide

[@RhettShull]

Yeah, talk about coincidence.

[@tobik.1202]

@@RhettShull that’s at least the third time this happens 😂

[@FrankLafone]

It's the Clock Change time of year. Makes everyone feel more soulful without as much sun. That's my theory at least.

[@phildavison319]

Waiting for David Bennett to put out "Songs that use Open D" including at least one by Radiohead.

[@Llyrin]

Paul Davids just put up a video on Open D also. Is this a coincidence…or not? 🤔

[@cowieson]

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

[@ed4008]

Same here was just about to ask the same question lol

[@Llyrin]

@@sonusbonum I still love Open E, especially for Duane Allman’s “Little Martha.” Edit: I was missing the close quote.

[@lobster4501]

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

[@alexanderhanksx]

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)

[@skip4618]

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

[@daisymoses6812]

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.

[@fivewattworld]

Very cool! I’ve always said that multiple tunings are guitar multipliers…so which one is going into open D hmmmm…

[@rooster4906]

Rhett is a very good man and a great guitarist, all the best to him and the band God blass your family 🙏 Peace 👍

[@creamydistortion]

Can sing.

[@kurtpleavin]

Something with a nice bright tone to accentuate those ringing notes

[@alexander_winston]

Not to be outdone, Rick just invented a tuning he calls Open R.

[@thepedalarchive2]

🤣

[@creamydistortion]

Gay

[@creamydistortion]

In the butt.

[@santiagobravo9685]

What?

[@Podcastage]

So Open D is something that will be explored. Sounds amazing! Thanks for the video Rhett.

[@danjacobson9476]

Cool to see you comment here, love your microphone reviews.

[@BrytonBand]

*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

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I like your approach much better :)

[@billmahko5688]

Albert Collins tuning

[@Baci302]

@@billmahko5688 Oh wow. Didn't know that.

[@Pabloignacioalvarez]

It’s literally just open D minor

[@arthurbrands6935]

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).

[@micaiahwunch4572]

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

[@CorbCorbin]

Pete Thorn too.

[@tompoynton]

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

[@creamydistortion]

@@tompoynton also gay

[@tukkerintensity5575]

Joey Is a MONSTER. Ariel Possen as well.

[@raymondmeers]

Locks like yahoo and Paul Davids are on the same page - I just watched his video on this same subject

[@jeffhuxford2870]

One of the best descriptions of how to use open tunings…big AHA moment…thank you…

[@MM-vv8mt]

In a constantly expanding universe, there is always room for another guitar in one's collection. - A. Einstein

[@fredstevens799]

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!

[@kalkidasofficial]

That was Abraham Lincoln. I saw it on the interwebs.

[@tomrafal3655]

Open-D on my Strat is my favourite slide tuning too. You get some gorgeous, swampy Ry Cooder tones just leap out of nowhere.

[@tompoynton]

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

[@cybertronguy98]

"it sounds so lush and beautiful" that could just be the Firebird, Rhett lol.

[@ChrisCanMakeStuff]

Open D is sponsoring videos now?

[@Brianpedrozaofficial]

Bro I'm dead 😂

[@McGuire40695]

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!

[@ThePoppinJawn]

Perhaps your best video yet...this one is a must-watch...for all guitarists...

[@kleback6660]

Haha just finished watching a video from Paul davids about open D this is going to be fun!

[@tonwanten6417]

Yep, awesome, thank you!

[@vittoriomatracia9454]

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!!

[@erikhartley2494]

This made my week. Thank you. Gonna raise the action and increase string gauge for my tele to do exactly as recommended.

[@AndersonCamello]

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.

[@cshaw3317]

Going with the edge's tone for the intro then.... I love it

[@dash4786]

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!

[@donxandjoyce]

Thank you ,loving open D !!! Can't seem to get away from it now,slide never made so much sense.

[@mikecito1717]

OK, now you and Paul have do a live Open D Guitar Battle

[@neaituppi7306]

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.

[@victoranchondo924]

Thanks Rhett, I'm going to try D tuning. You opened up a door to walk thru.

[@englishmanbo]

Thanks Rhett, great lesson

[@BankFishingBenny]

This just inspired me! another great video!!

[@joaohenriques1726]

Paul Davids just post a Open D video!!!

[@zachmeeker2143]

Great intro to open D! I personally like open D minor a bit more. Easy as changing the F# to an F natural.

[@green_henry1202]

Dada's Puzzle album had a few tunes in Open D. Mary Sunshine Rain is one of my favorites.

[@someguywhosold9914]

I bought a 50’s harmony 12 string, a ‘Stella” that I found hard to keep in tune. I replaced the bridge, got rid of an ugly cowboy style pick guard, and replaced the tuners with vintage style new. Played way better, sounded better but I still had a hard time keeping it tuned. (I did a bad job or restraining which didn’t help, the horizontal tuners close together are tough for me). Anyway after much messing around once I found open D, it loved it. Stays in tune, plays and sounds amazing. Long story but if folks have similar instruments it may help!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

If you put a capo on the 5th Fret then you have Open G w/ a High G string.

[@kanjisan9965]

Big yellow taxi, Stuck in the middle with you (I had to figure it out!) Squeezebox, it’s all over now baby blue. All simple, but sound good via the miracle of D open.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Seems pretty D-lightful! I've got an acoustic in open G, maybe its time to tune it up Thanks, Rhett!

[@ksgtrpkr]

Absolutely gorgeous tuning! Great Lesson, Thank You!

[@domejunky]

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....

[@JamesVandevanter]

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.

[@kevinturner7119]

Superb Tuition indeed ☆

[@ravenwood7777]

Very informative will give it a go

[@theclearytheory7169]

LOL it's definitely a coincidence that PD also did a video on this today. Do you realize just how much work it takes to script, film and edit a video of this quality? Loved this Rhett!

[@brushstroke3733]

I bet he whipped this out in an hour without any scripting. Editing something like this doesn't take long either.

[@theclearytheory7169]

@@brushstroke3733 lol sure.

[@bleeknoir]

I’ve been playing in D standard for years. I can’t go back. The guitar just sounds better.

[@queenhenryviii]

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

[@nedim_guitar]

Sweet! Paul Davids also did a video about open D, and it came out hours before this video. A very different approach, his was acoustic. It was great, but I really love electric guitar, and Rhett plays with really sweet atmosphere. Great stuff! And cool coincidence!

[@christiandeworde2756]

I also use open D a lot and even open C. I use a stereo setup and guitar that cause a lot of resonance, so that D and A drones will start to hum as I play. I also use unusual scales and a lot of chromaticism to create an unusual esoteric style, mostly improvisatory

[@christiandeworde2756]

IMO the beauty of an open tuning like this is to take advantage of the potential to create unusual chords and scales that don’t fit into traditional diatonic musical frameworks

[@TheMountainLynx]

Every time you play that firebird on your channel, the sound makes me want one for myself! :P

[@DerekBolli]

Old "reverb Rhett" is back and sounding very Daniel Lanois. Very close to DADGAD folk tuning. Great stuff 😍

[@enchantederic3792]

You coverd D realy well and kept it under fifteen! Super Star you know you are! And that cadillac Firebird. I got my EYE on just one of those right now, great to listen to you busk it out Rhett. How old is that one? And mini-humbuckers? Love the "live practice" band mate version of theory, preferred learning that way.

[@sunnyclimatemusic]

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!

[@rtrudeau9210]

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.....

[@ziggylayneable]

I have multiple guitars in multiple different tunings. I can totally relate as to leaving guitars in an alternate tuning all the time... it's nice to use different string gauges in some of these tunings too....

[@billycramer8066]

Dude my round neck resonator lives in open D 98% of the time. You can have so much fun with it and it's beautiful sounding. Very mistake forgiving. Great for fingerstyle and slide.

[@LaNwamNi]

I customised one of my electric guitars into a fretless to experiment with just intonation and Open D (D, A(+2 cents), D, F#(-14 cents), A(+2 cents), D) is the perfect tuning for it. I was already a fan of the tuning and always had a couple of my other guitars (an electric and an acoustic) tuned for Open D; not only perfect for playing slide but also for accompanying the lowest tuned Blues Harp (nominally G but yielding the crossed harp tuning of D Blues).

[@davidmcauliffe8692]

And David Brewster was teaching Collage by The James Gang using the DADDAD tuning.

[@mikemanthei]

If you use a use a Digitech Drop pedal, you can tune your guitar to open E, then use the pedal to drop to D. One guitar--2 tunings!

[@MrAyla]

Use a heavier string on the high string to keep your slide from fretting out. Not quite as heavy as what would normally be your b string. I normally use a set of 11s on electric, so in open G and D I put a 13 on that high string. It’s that extra bit of tension to keep the slide singing. Also, I don’t really bend that high string in open tunings so that’s not a concern.

[@matthewmcclure3181]

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

[@jamesmonahan1870]

Wonderful video. JOANN(OPEN TUNING (C)2006 and GOODBYE c)2006 were both recorded using OPEN D TUNING.

[@DLawrenceMarketing]

Cool lesson and I agree that open D is lovely. I also love that Firebird Univibe connection.

[@EddieLeeFunn]

Robin Trower has said he tunes a full step down from standard tuning and strings up with 12s...

[@gustavoberocan]

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.

[@brushstroke3733]

David Gilmore also likes open D minor tuning. I believe that's how he tunes one of his lap steel guitars.

[@JamesMc2]

I concur

[@seenonyt2210]

@ Gustavo: Thanks for this, I didn't know this. Would you have a suggestion of a video on KZbin of playing duet scales on a Brazilian viola?

[@robrobichaud]

I often use open tuning on my baritone. If you think the guitar growls tuned down to D, try it in B or C 👍

[@marions.120]

I get it, but I use open G a lot because I can not only play slide, but I can chord and plays solo in it. ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@DrJeebles]

I think you must have decided to keep that Firebird after all. That thing is sweet. I'm jealous.

[@hymnsake]

Man i was just getting used to Open G when this beautiful tuning comes a long 🙃

[@ekw555]

when ever anyone talks about alternate tunings I think: I can't find the notes & chords in Standard. I think this is just going to compound my current problem.

[@robrdavis]

Good stuff.

[@Crondeez420]

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!

[@Pandamasque]

I guess Open D lifted the embargo on reviews.

[@allengoeddey2719]

Maybe Paul Davids can visit you in Germany and you two could do an open D collaboration ?

[@stephen285]

sounds great

[@jeffanderson8384]

Great video! Thanks for posting. I always hear bits of "Little Martha" in open D. Crazy how this tuning brings that all together.

[@mikeb.3735]

I've had my 12 string in open D for over 20 years. Sounds amazing that way. Great video!

[@JamesVandevanter]

open D 12 !!!!! how full is that!

[@VoltTaar]

As someone who is blessed with more than short fingers, and not a lot of finger dexterity, open D is my top choice. :D

[@samwheeler-brown7458]

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

[@BringtheReign66]

Wait a minute..............

[@davidwilliams5497]

Rhett: leave a guitar in open D Me, with one guitar: uhhhh, ‘kay.

[@brushstroke3733]

Why can't you leave your one guitar in open D for a while?

[@Hyce777]

I was wondering if you were going to address the elephant in the room of the maestro vibrola.... lol. My firebird VII has one, and it does -not- like tuning down.

[@jeremyyappy]

Sounds so damn clean.

[@CorbenEdward]

been playing for 17 years and never tried open D, fricken beautiful eh bud! Thanks for the video Rhett

[@BrendanKDavis]

Love this and agreed re how great that sound is. On a somewhat similar note, I discovered that if I lowered my drop D stuff to drop C, I can sing it better...relative to my singing ability, lol...but the riffs sounded way better, too. Using 9s but will try 10s with a heavier bottom next. :D

[@peik5569]

Open d but keeping the b and e strings normal is alot of fun! And it’s also a nice tuning (literally open d 69) lol

[@benharbak]

Sounds awesome. Now put a tube screamer on it.

[@paolodelano6010]

Is it drop D theme today? Paul Davids uploaded the same topic today!

[@teodelnorte]

People: Wow, what a coincidence Rhett makes an open D vid after Paul Davids makes an open D vid Rhett: Yeah, "coincidence", that's what it is (laughs nervously)

[@createlovehappy]

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.

[@Jopetto]

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. 🎶👍

[@NotMrDaine]

Oooh, my Bass VI is in open D ... Just lower

[@hansmjakobsen6865]

Splendid

[@JamesMc2]

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!

[@MrKgeigerjr]

I should do this with my acoustic.

[@MikeMastropierro]

Drummer here… if I wanted to leave a guitar in D Open as my D Open guitar, should I consider changing what gauge strings so normally play? Edit: I asked this question before watching the whole video. Nothing else to see here, move on.

[@franklymm]

Think i´m not the only one whos got inspired by rob scallons last video...

[@dodgedandle8311]

What Trem was that Rhett was it in the Amp or was it a Strymon Flint or something, would love to know 👍🏻❤️🌞⭐️, Great Episode by the way ❤️👍🏻🌞

[@FourDollarMan]

Been playing in D Standard and Drop C for over a decade now, will never go back to E Standard

[@MrScrofulous]

5 watt world : you only need one guitar Open D - am i dead to you ?