Open D TuningFolkIntermediateCapo 2nd Fret

Big Yellow Taxi

Required String Notes:D - A - D - F# - A - D

How to Tune from Standard to Open D Tuning

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Big Yellow Taxi”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 6	E2	D2	Tune down a whole step
String 5	A2	A2	Leave as is
String 4	D3	D3	Leave as is
String 3	G3	F#3	Tune down a half step
String 2	B3	A3	Tune down a whole step
String 1	E4	D4	Tune down a whole step

Recommended string gauge: .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

Joni Mitchell is famous for her innovative alternate tunings. Open D allows her to play lush major chords across the neck using single-finger fretting techniques.

Key Chord Voicings:

E (2-2-2-2-2-2)A (7-7-7-7-7-7)D (0-0-0-0-0-0)

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Tunings Close to Open D Tuning

Already tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - D? These tunings are just one small change away.

DADGAD Celtic Tuning44 songs

D - A - D - G - A - DOnly string 3 differs: G instead of F#.

Open D Minor / Crossnote25 songs

D - A - D - F - A - DOnly string 3 differs: F instead of F#.

Open E Tuning20 songs

E - B - E - G# - B - ESame chord shapes, every string a whole step higher.

Custom Tuning (C#G#C#FG#C#)20 songs

C#G#C#FG#C#Same chord shapes, every string a half step lower.

Joni Mitchell’s Guitar Tunings

Joni Mitchell plays 6 of 31 songs in our catalog in Open D Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Open D TuningD - A - D - F# - A - D6 songs
Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)CGDFCE5 songs
Open D Minor / CrossnoteD - A - D - F - A - D4 songs
Custom Tuning (FFCGAC)FFCGAC3 songs
Custom Tuning (DAEGCE)DAEGCE2 songs

Gear for Open D Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "Big Yellow Taxi" in Open D Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (.010–.046)

Recommended gauge .010–.046. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

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D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

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D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 4 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

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“Big Yellow Taxi” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell in?

"Big Yellow Taxi" is played in Open D Tuning: D - A - D - F# - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Big Yellow Taxi"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a whole step (B3 → A3). String 1: tune down a whole step (E4 → D4). Leave the other strings as they are.

What string gauge should I use for Open D Tuning?

Use a .010–.046 set. Tension stays close to standard, so a regular set works without any setup changes.

Which other Joni Mitchell songs use this tuning?

"Chelsea Morning", "I speak beacause I can", "I was just a card from Laura Marling", "Rambling Man", "You Turn Me On Im a Radio" — all in D - A - D - F# - A - D, so you can play them without retuning.