Open D Add9 Guitar Tuning
Open D Add9 sets the six strings from low to high to D A D F# A E. Its airy, hopeful and cinematic voice works especially well for ambient arpeggios, modern acoustic parts and suspended melodies.
Do this first
No theory test. No perfect technique required. Follow these three steps and start making music.
Tap each string to hear it
What changes in Open D Add9
Open D major keeps E on the first string, adding the ninth instead of repeating the root.
Make the tuning sound intentional
Arpeggiate all six strings, then move only one finger at a time while the high E continues to ring.
Shape tip: Use the high E as a constant colour tone while moving simple bass and middle-string shapes.
Retune to D A D F# A E safely
The lower strings mostly move down, so standard or medium strings are usually comfortable.
Change one string at a time, approach the target pitch gradually and recheck every string after the neck settles. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge lifts or the instrument reacts unpredictably.
Turn the open strings into music
Quick answers before you play
What are the notes in Open D Add9 Guitar Tuning?
From the sixth string to the first string, tune to D A D F# A E. Use the six playable reference notes above and recheck them after the neck settles.
Is Open D Add9 Guitar Tuning safe for my guitar?
The lower strings mostly move down, so standard or medium strings are usually comfortable. Stop if a string feels unusually tight, the bridge moves or the guitar becomes difficult to intonate.
Can I use normal chord shapes in Open D Add9 Guitar Tuning?
Some shapes may still work, but a open added-tone tuning changes at least part of the fretboard. Start with the open strings, simple drones and the shape guidance on this page.
Why do the strings go out of tune again after retuning?
Changing one string changes the total tension on the neck. Tune all six strings, wait briefly and repeat the process until every reference pitch remains stable.