How to Play the Blues in Open D Tuning
We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.
Introduction to Playing the Blues in Open D
Have you ever listened to a blues guitarist and thought, “Wow, how do they get that rich, resonant sound?” Open D tuning! That’s the answer.
Did you know that legends like Elmore James and Bonnie Raitt have used this tuning to create some of the most iconic blues sounds in history? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of open D tuning and show you how to harness its power for your blues playing. Get ready to transform your guitar into a blues machine!
Understanding Open D Tuning
Open D tuning is the foundation for this chapter. In standard tuning, the open strings don’t create a specific chord. But by adjusting the strings, open D tuning lets you strum an open D major chord (D-F#-A) simply by plucking the open strings. This is achieved by tuning the strings down from standard: the E string goes down to D, the B string down to A, the G string down a half step to F#, and the high E string down to D. The remaining strings (A and D) remain the same. Understanding this tuning and how it creates a D major chord is the first step to unlocking the bluesy possibilities it offers.
Please find step-by-step tuning instructions in my other article “Tuning Your Guitar to Open D“
Open D tuning has deep roots in the blues, tracing back to the early 20th century in the Mississippi Delta. It gained popularity among blues musicians for its rich, resonant sound and ease of playing with a slide. The legendary Elmore James, often called the “King of the Slide Guitar,” was one of the first to popularize this tuning in the 1950s with his electrifying rendition of “Dust My Broom.” Other blues giants like Tampa Red and Big Joe Williams also favoured open D. Fast forward to modern times, and you’ll find Bonnie Raitt crafting her signature sound with open D, while Bob Dylan used it for classics like “Buckets of Rain.” Even rock musicians with blues influences, such as Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, have embraced open D for songs like “Street Fighting Man.” This tuning continues to inspire contemporary blues artists, proving its timeless appeal and versatility in the genre.
Open D tuning offers a treasure trove of advantages for blues players, making it a favourite among both beginners and seasoned guitarists. First off, it’s a slide player’s dream! The open strings form a D major chord, allowing you to easily play major chords up and down the neck with just one finger or a slide. This tuning also lends itself to creating those signature bluesy drones and sustaining notes, giving your playing that authentic Delta sound. Plus, it opens up new possibilities for chord voicings and fingerpicking patterns that aren’t as accessible in standard tuning. The lower, more resonant sound of the open strings adds depth and warmth to your playing, perfect for capturing the emotional intensity of the blues. And here’s the kicker – open D tuning can actually simplify some complex chord progressions, making it easier for beginners to jump into playing full songs. Whether you’re bending strings, sliding, or strumming, open D tuning brings out the raw, expressive power that’s at the heart of blues music. It’s like unlocking a whole new guitar – one that’s tailor-made for wailing those blues!
Essential Open D Blues Chords
The I-IV-V progression is the backbone of a 12 bar blues, and in open D tuning, it’s a breeze to play! Let’s break it down: your I chord is right there when you strum all open strings – that’s your D (I). For the IV chord, simply barre your finger across the 5th fret – boom, you’ve got a G (IV). The V chord? Just slide that barre up to the 7th fret for a sweet A (V). It’s that easy!
In this image:
the numbering 1 through 12 is the numbers of bars actually;
the Roman numbers I, IV, V as I already mentioned stay for the notes D, G, and A respectfully in our case. But also could be C, F, G if you play in key of C and so on.
Strictly speaking these Roman numbers represent the intervals between the notes
This simple progression opens up a world of blues possibilities. Try strumming it slow and steady for a Delta blues feel, or add some syncopation for a Chicago blues vibe. The beauty of open D is how it lets these chords ring out with a fullness that’s hard to achieve in standard tuning. As you play, listen to how the open strings create a constant drone, adding depth to your progression. This I-IV-V in open D isn’t just easy – it’s the key to unlocking that authentic, gut-wrenching blues sound. So go ahead, give it a try, and feel the blues flow through your fingers!
Open D tuning offers a wealth of chord shapes that can add color and complexity to your blues playing. Beyond the basic I-IV-V progression, you’ll find a world of variations at your fingertips. Let’s start with the trusty barre chord shape – sliding this up and down the neck gives you major chords galore. Want to add some spice? Try the “Delta blues chord” by barring the top four strings at any fret and leaving the bottom two open – instant bluesy tension! For minor chords, simply place your middle finger one fret higher than your index on the third string. Seventh chords, crucial for that classic blues sound, are a breeze too. Just lift your barring finger off the second string for an instant dominant 7th. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with partial chords, like playing just the top three strings, to create airy, open-sounding voicings. And don’t forget the power of add9 chords – they’re as simple as playing an open string alongside your barre chord. The beauty of open D is how these shapes allow your guitar to ring and resonate, filling out your sound even when playing simple forms. So go ahead, explore the fretboard, and discover the rich palette of chords waiting to bring your blues to life!
Smooth transitions between chords are the hallmark of a skilled blues player, and open D tuning offers some unique opportunities to finesse your changes. The key is to think economically – how can you move from one chord to another with minimal finger movement? Start by mastering the slide between the I, IV, and V chords using your barre. Practice sliding smoothly from the open position to the 5th fret, then to the 7th, keeping constant pressure. For more complex changes, try using a rolling technique with your barre finger, where you slightly release pressure and roll it to the new position rather than lifting entirely. When transitioning to partial chords, keep your anchor fingers in place and only move the necessary digits. For example, when moving from a full barre to a seventh chord, simply lift your pinky while keeping the rest of your hand stable. Another pro tip: use open strings as transition points. As you move between chords, let the open strings ring out – it’s not just easier, it’s quintessentially bluesy! Remember, the goal is fluidity. Start slow, focusing on clean changes, then gradually build up speed. With practice, you’ll find your fingers dancing across the fretboard, creating that smooth, seamless flow that defines great blues playing. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be transitioning between chords smoother than butter on a hot slide!
Slide Guitar Techniques in Open D
Slide guitar and open D tuning go together like peanut butter and jelly. Trust me, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with this combo, and it’s a match made in blues heaven!
When it comes to choosing a slide, I’ve learned that heavier is often better in open D. I started with a lightweight glass slide, but it just didn’t cut it. These days, I swear by my brass slide – it gives me that warm, thick tone that’s perfect for blues. But hey, don’t be afraid to experiment. Every material has its own unique voice.
Now, let’s talk technique. I used to grip that slide like my life depended on it, but I quickly learned that a relaxed hand is key. I wear my slide on my pinky, which frees up my other fingers to mute the strings. This little trick has saved me from so many unwanted buzzes and rattles!
One of the biggest game-changers for me was learning to approach the strings from directly above. It seems simple, but it made a world of difference in my intonation and control. And remember, keep that slide parallel to the frets. I can’t tell you how many times I messed that up when I was starting out!
And one more important tip, which will make you more comfortable with slide-playing. If you’re not sure about hitting the note directly, try to always approach the note from the lower side. It sometimes will sound strange but never wrong compared to sliding to the goal from the upper side. Later, when you feel confident you probably will use the slide-down technique when needed. But at the beginning try to avoid it, it sounds sharp.
Creating expressive vibrato with a slide is where the real magic happens. Here’s a pro tip: less is more. You don’t need to shake your hand like you’re trying to get ketchup out of a bottle. Instead, try using your whole arm for a slow, controlled movement. It’s all about the feel.
The most important lesson I’ve learned? Muting is your best friend. When you’re playing slide, those open strings can start ringing out and turn your blues into a jumbled mess. I use a combination of my fretting hand fingers and my picking hand palm to keep things clean. It takes practice, but it’s worth it for that professional sound.
Remember, slide guitar in open D is all about expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – some of my best licks have come from happy accidents! Keep practicing, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun with it. Before you know it, you’ll be sliding your way to blues glory!
Open D Blues Licks and Riffs
Open D tuning opened up a whole new world of blues licks and riffs for me. It was like learning guitar all over again, but in the best way possible!
One of my favourite signature licks is a simple slide from the open D chord to the 12th fret and back. It’s become my go-to opener for blues jams. The way those notes ring out in open D… it’s just magic.
Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs really brings your playing to life. I struggled with these at first, but I found practicing on open strings helped me get the right feel. There’s this cool lick where you hammer-on from the open 3rd string to the 2nd fret, then pull-off back to open. Simple, but it sounds so sweet in open D!
The pentatonic scale in open D was a game-changer for me. The patterns sit so nicely under your fingers in this tuning. I love starting with the root note on the 5th string (that’s your A in open D) and working my way up the scale, mixing in slides and hammer-ons as I go. It’s a great way to get familiar with the fretboard and develop some killer licks.
One thing I’ve learned: less is often more with blues licks. It’s tempting to show off every trick you know, but sometimes a simple, well-placed lick says more than a flurry of notes.
If you’re new to open D blues, don’t get discouraged if it feels awkward at first. Start slow, focus on clean notes, and gradually build up speed. And don’t be afraid to experiment – some of my best licks have come from happy accidents!
Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be wailing away like a true blues master!
Famous Open D Blues Songs to Learn
You know, when I first started exploring open D tuning, I was amazed at how many classic blues tunes were hiding right there under my fingers. It was like finding a secret passage in a house I’d lived in for years!
One of the first songs I tackled was “Death Letter Blues” by Son House. Man, that one’s a doozy! I remember fumbling through it, trying to get my slide to cooperate. The song’s built on a simple I-IV-V progression, but it’s Son’s raw, emotional delivery that really makes it shine. My tip? Start slow and focus on nailing those slide transitions before worrying about speed.
Then there’s “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James. Talk about a blues anthem! This one’s got that iconic riff that just screams open D. I spent weeks trying to get that riff down pat. The song’s structure is pretty straightforward – it’s your classic 12-bar blues. But man, does it pack a punch! When you’re learning this one, pay close attention to the rhythm. It’s all in the feel.
Oh, and let’s not forget about “Crossroad Blues” by Robert Johnson. Now, there’s some debate about whether he actually used open G or standard tuning, but I love playing it in open D. It gives the song this haunting quality that just feels right. The progression’s a bit trickier on this one – it throws in a V chord where you might not expect it. My advice? Take it section by section. Don’t try to swallow the whole song at once.
One song that really threw me for a loop was “Walkin’ Blues,” another Robert Johnson classic. I thought I had it down in open G tuning, but playing it in open D was like learning a whole new song! The way the open strings ring out adds this incredible depth to the tune. When you’re adapting songs to open D, don’t be afraid to experiment with letting those open strings sing.
Now, I can’t talk about open D without mentioning “Stones in My Passway,” yet another Robert Johnson gem. (Can you tell I’m a fan?) This one’s got a tricky rhythm that had me counting out loud like a madman when I first learned it. The key here is to really internalize the groove. Once you’ve got that down, the rest falls into place.
Learning these songs has taught me so much about playing in open D. It’s not just about memorizing chord shapes or licks – it’s about capturing that raw, emotional blues sound. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling when it all comes together and you’re channeling those blues legends.
So if you’re diving into open D blues, give these songs a shot. They’re challenging, sure, but man, are they rewarding. Just remember to be patient with yourself. These old bluesmen didn’t learn overnight, and neither will we. But trust me, stick with it, and before you know it, you’ll be wailing away like a pro!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just taken a giant leap into the soulful world of open D tuning blues. Remember, mastering this technique is all about practice, feel, and letting your emotions flow through your fingers. Don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your own style – that’s what the blues is all about! So grab your slide, retune that guitar, and let the haunting sounds of open D transport you to the smoky juke joints of the Delta. Who knows? You might just be the next blues legend in the making. Keep on playing, and let your guitar sing the blues!
