OPEN D TUNING

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: Magpie
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 12:16 PM

There was a thread on this about a year ago (incidentally started by me) and you'll find it if you search for "DADGAD tuning". Infortunately I don't know how to make a blue clicky thing for you, but maybe someone else will help you out?

Good luck Magpie

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: Bernard
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 11:40 AM

I use open D (D A D F# A D) for songs like Joni Mitchell's 'Big Yellow Taxi' - it's a lot more resonant for bashing chords (I've got a LOUD voice). I know Joni used open G, but D suits me better.

It's also useful if you want to experiment with 'slide' guitar - a 'Canada Dry' bottle works well.

The advert also sums up my life's ambition - 'Drink Canada Dry'...

Ooops! Thread creep!

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: GUEST,Lucius
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 11:30 AM

I'm barely a novice, but here goes:

One ... What is the reason for this type of tuning?

Open strings sound great on Celtic guitar. This isn't true in swing or other "sock" styles but there is a great deal of Celtic guitar literature that uses open strings and drones effectively.

Two ... How is it accomplished?

I don't know what is meant by "open D". I use a ton of tunings for which I have no names. Could it be (bottom to top) D A D F# A D?

Three ... Can any tune be adapted to this type of tuning?

Yes, reservedly. The question is really how well does any particular tune fit a given tuning. I believe that a tune like "Banish Misfortune" is almost universally played as DADGAD. I've refingered some DADGAD tunes my preferred CGDGAD tuning.

Four ... If a musician is using alternate tuning, is it best to take two guitars to a gig, one in normal tune and one in alternate tune?

Sounds like a good idea to me. I am too poor to have more than one "fingerstyle" guitar, so I'm stuck retuning. I'd have to take five guitars anyway.

Five ... Can one still use a capo in alternate tunings?

Yes. I use a CGDGAD tuning that I capo at the second fret. It will often return the tune to its original key. I also use EADF#BE (lute) tuning that I capo at the third fret.

Six ... What are, if any, the pitfalls of using alternate tunings?

Guitar strings have memory. I use a tuner attached to my guitar, but I often find that halfway through a song my strings want to return to their original setting. As they start going sharp or flat, my concentration drifts as well. Maybe its due to my advancing years, but I need a notebook to keep my tunings straight, life was simpler.

Seven ... Any other information, with which you would like to part.

If your reading this you must have a computer. Do you have a notation program like Encore or Sibelius (or Finale) that can do TAB? It's nifty to be able to input a melody with a simple bass line, then TAB out several tunings and look for a good fit.

Have Fun

Lucius

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: Midchuck
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 10:35 AM

I'm very partial to DADGAD - in the living room. Especially on a 12-string. But I've tried using it at gigs, and decided it wasn't worth it. Retuning on the spot takes too long (if you have an ear like mine) to keep the flow of the set moving, and I prefer to put heavier strings on the strings that are going to be tuned down, on a guitar for use in DADGAD. Hauling two guitars is too much work for the amount I'd use it in the gig. When you have a partner that won't go to a gig without at least nine instruments with 77 strings between them, you have to travel light (sneaky smirk!)

Peter.

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: GUEST,Joyce
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 10:22 AM

Enjoy life. Open D lets you take a break from the technical work of fretting so you can play from the heart.

A guitar in standard tuning is indeed a fairly feeble instrument unless it was made by a great guitar maker. Open D reaches the soul. My guitar store guy calls Open D with just 1 and 6 tuned down "Drop D". Try: "The Art of Fingerstyle Guitar: Solos in Open Tunings" by Stefan Grossman, with arrangements by John Fahey and others, published in 1984 by Mel Bay, Pacific, MO 63069-0066. Open-chorded tunings of any sort are a great kindness for a child's guitar.

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: gillymor
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 08:23 AM

Mark Hanson's Alternate Tunings Guide For Guitar will give you a leg up if you're just starting to explore them. It costs about $5, can be found at elderly.com and includes an overview, scales, chords and fingerings for a bunch of different tunings. He also has some more comprehensive books on the subject and has his own publishing so he probably has a .com.

F

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 03:37 AM

The reason?? A guitar in standard tuning is a fairly feeble instrument, in my opinion.. I like open tunings much more.. They make you sound better than you really are!! LOL!!

Accomplished? Well, depends on how open you want your open D to be... I tend towards DADGAD tuning myself... but some folks get by with DADGBD Or DADGBE even...Open D is often DADF#AD

Any tune?? well... ya provided you want to play it in the Key of D... Actually DADGAG played in the key of G sounds really cool, with some lovely unresolved chords and such...

Mulit-instruments? Yup... saves on wear and tear on strings, and it gives one ax a chance to cool off while you play the other one! {~`

Capo?? Capo away!! Won't hurt a bit...

Pitfalls?? None that I can see... The broader your horizons the better.. just try not to become too reliant on one specific tuning... Try not to get to the point where you have to say, "sorry, can't play that song... I don't have my open Bb guitar with me tonight.... "

Other stuff... Ya... check this out for a few more tunings to try... http://www.guitarists.net/tunings.cfm

Enjoy eh!

{~`

Subject: RE: OPEN D TUNING
From: GUEST,Paul Crawte
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 03:21 AM

I use a couple of tunings on my twelve string when I play, and I also use a capo. However, whilst I find that I can tune and re-tune at home quickly and with few troubles, when I've got people looking at me ..... I guess its nerves but suspect that I'm kind of use to the acoustics at home and so get a bit thrown by different ones in different halls. I'd guess that the need for another guitar is dependent upon the kind of gig you play. Go round to a gentle and informal gathering with loads of guitars and you might look a bit of a git. However, standing on stage a desperatley trying to get the E string just right also makes you look like a fool.

When talking to partners about the need for more instruments, however, ALWAYS explain that a different tuning requires a new piece of equipment (and bag, and plectrum, and strings, and strap....)

Subject: OPEN D TUNING
From: bbelle
Date: 16 Sep 00 - 02:17 AM

I've never used alternate tunings on my guitars but I'm in the throes of learning new material and one of the tunes calls for Open D tuning.

One ... What is the reason for this type of tuning?

Two ... How is it accomplished?

Three ... Can any tune be adapted to this type of tuning?

Four ... If a musician is using alternate tuning, is it best to take two guitars to a gig, one in normal tune and one in alternate tune?

Five ... Can one still use a capo in alternate tunings?

Six ... What are, if any, the pitfalls of using alternate tunings?

Seven ... Any other information, with which you would like to part.

Thank you.