How to Tune from Standard to Open D Minor / Crossnote

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings to play “Walk The Line”:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3F3Tune down a whole step
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune 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

"Walk The Line" by The Tallest Man on Earth is played in Open D Minor / Crossnote (D - A - D - F - A - D). Starting from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 4 of 6 strings: string 6 down to D, string 3 down to F, string 2 down to A, string 1 down to D. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 2 semitones down. 24 other songs in our catalog use Open D Minor / Crossnote.

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Tunings Close to Open D Minor / Crossnote

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

The Tallest Man on Earth’s Guitar Tunings

The Tallest Man on Earth plays 1 of 31 songs in our catalog in Open D Minor / Crossnote. Most-used tunings:

Gear for Open D Minor / Crossnote

Strings and tools that make playing "Walk The Line" in Open D Minor / Crossnote 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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“Walk The Line” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "Walk The Line" by The Tallest Man on Earth in?

"Walk The Line" is played in Open D Minor / Crossnote: D - A - D - F - A - D, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "Walk The Line"?

Start from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). String 6: tune down a whole step (E2 → D2). String 3: tune down a whole step (G3 → F3). 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 Minor / Crossnote?

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

More Songs by The Tallest Man on Earth

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by The Tallest Man on Earth:

View all 31 songs
Open G TuningIntermediate
D - G - D - G - B - DNo Capo
Pink Moon ModalIntermediate
C - G - C - F - C - ENo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Pink Moon ModalIntermediate
C - G - C - F - C - ENo Capo

Other Songs in Open D Minor / Crossnote

Once tuned to D - A - D - F - A - D, try playing these tracks next:

Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo
Open D Minor / CrossnoteIntermediate
D - A - D - F - A - DNo Capo