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Open D Guitar Tuner

Open D
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
F#185
A220
D294

How to Tune to Open D

A gorgeous open D major chord (D-A-D-F#-A-D) that has been used by everyone from Delta blues legends to singer-songwriters to modern indie rock. Also known as 'Vestapol' tuning in its historical context, Open D is one of the oldest and most versatile alternate tunings, equally at home in blues slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, and experimental rock.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 4 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3F#3Tune down a half step
String 2B3A3Tune down a whole step
String 1E4D4Tune down a whole step
Printable Open D chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Open D is also called 'Vestapol' tuning, named after a popular 19th-century parlor guitar piece called 'Siege of Sebastopol' (or 'Vestapol'). The piece was so commonly played in Open D that the tuning itself took on the name. This makes it one of the few alternate tunings with its own proper historical name.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Medium-Lights (.012-.054) for acoustic, standard lights for electric. All strings are tuned down from standard, so tension is lower across the board. The lower tension makes Open D particularly comfortable for slide playing.

Gear for Open D

Tools that make tuning to D - A - D - F# - A - D easier.

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.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

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

View winder

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Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DCapo 2nd Fret
Song Details
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DCapo 2nd Fret
Song Details
Open DIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Song Details
Open DIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vestapol tuning?
Vestapol is the traditional name for Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D). It comes from a popular 19th-century guitar piece called 'The Siege of Sebastopol' (or 'Vestapol'), which was played in this tuning. Old guitar method books often refer to Open D as Vestapol, and you'll still hear this term in classical and historical guitar circles.
How to tune to Open D on acoustic?
From standard tuning: drop E to D (one whole step), keep A as-is, keep D as-is, drop G to F# (one half step), drop B to A (one whole step), drop high E to D (one whole step). All strings go down — no breakage risk. The open strings now play a full D major chord.
How do barre chords work in Open D?
In Open D, every barre chord is a major chord. Barre all strings at any fret and you get the major chord at that pitch: 2nd fret = E, 3rd fret = F, 5th fret = G, 7th fret = A. For minor chords, flatten the 3rd string by lifting the barre on that string and fretting one fret lower. This simplicity is why Open D is so popular for slide.
What tuning is Shelter from the Storm in?
Bob Dylan recorded "Shelter from the Storm" on the album "Blood on the Tracks" (1975). While Dylan used several tunings on that album, Open D and Open E are strongly associated with his work from this era. Dylan has been known to use Open D for its warm, full acoustic sound.
Is Open D good for slide guitar?
Yes, it's one of the two most popular slide tunings along with Open G. Elmore James' iconic "Dust My Broom" riff is played in Open D (or Open E, which is the same shape at higher pitch). The tuning makes slide playing intuitive — place the slide at any fret for a major chord, and use single-string slides for melodies.