GUITAR · D A D F# A D

Open D tuning chords

Choose a shape, check every sounding note, and take a clean reference with you.

OPEN D CHORD LIBRARY

D major · 0 0 0 0 0 0

Open D · D2 A2 D3 F#3 A3 D4
Four strings differ from standard; this is not Drop D.

Root Quality

A root and quality choose one validated shape across all twelve roots. Fret codes run low to high; 0 means open and X means muted.

Strings are shown low to high. The diagram is the selected shape; the table gives its sounding pitches.
Finger row: suggested finger — 1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 pinky; – not fretted. A bar means one finger holds several strings.

SELECTED SHAPE

D major

Open D · 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sounding notes, string six to string one
String	Fret	Note	Role
6 · D	O	D2	Root
5 · A	O	A2	Perfect fifth
4 · D	O	D3	Root
3 · F#	O	F#3	Major third
2 · A	O	A3	Perfect fifth
1 · D	O	D4	Root

What is checked: every listed fret is applied to the six open D pitches, then the resulting pitch classes and lowest note are checked against the chord name. Each selection shows one verified pitch set within the first fifteen frets; the diagram marks positions without prescribing fingerings or promising that every reach will feel comfortable.

HOW TO USE OPEN D

Start with the open strings, then move one shape

Open D tuning changes the guitar to D–A–D–F#–A–D. The six open strings already make a D major chord, so the zero-fret shape is a useful reference. The major shapes move that same interval pattern; most minor shapes lower the F# string by one fret to make the minor third. D minor mutes that open F# and frets the high D string instead.

For the suspended D–A–D–G–A–D layout, try DADGAD chords.

Open D is not Drop D. Drop D chords change only the lowest string to D and leave A–D–G–B–E in place. These chords in open D tuning assume that all six strings have the Open D pitches shown above. For the other open-major layout, compare the Open G tuning chords and its different bass note.

For a C major open strum, see Open C tuning chords.

Put a capo at fret 2 and these shapes sound the same notes as Open E tuning chords.

For these open D chords, read the six fret numbers from the thickest string to the thinnest. A zero rings open. Every note in the table is the actual sounding pitch after that fret is applied, including its octave.

StringStandardOpen D 6E2D2 ↓2 5A2A2 — 4D3D3 — 3G3F#3 ↓1 2B3A3 ↓2 1E4D4 ↓2

Four strings change pitch; the A and middle D strings remain where they were.

D0 0 0 0 0 0open strings G5 5 5 5 5 5fret five A7 7 7 7 7 7fret seven

The same six-string interval pattern moves from open D to G and A; the tool calculates every sounding note.

Change your guitar first

Use a tuner and bring the strings to D–A–D–F#–A–D, low to high. A standard-tuning guitar chord shape will not keep its usual chord name after the strings change.

Let the notes ring

Play one string at a time before strumming. Open D gives the instrument a wide, ringing spread; check that the intended bass note stays clear.

Minor and seventh chords need a different shape

A straight barre only makes major chords, because the major 3rd (F# in D) sits on string 3. For a minor or seventh chord, one or two strings have to move off the barre. The shapes below come from the chord tool above; tap a row to load it there.

Chord	Frets (low → high)	Notes
	0 0 0 X 0 3	D2 · A2 · D3 · A3 · F4
	2 2 2 1 2 2	E2 · B2 · E3 · G3 · B3 · E4
	0 0 0 0 3 0	D2 · A2 · D3 · F#3 · C4 · D4
	5 5 0 5 5 4	G2 · D3 · D3 · B3 · D4 · F#4

COMMON QUESTIONS

Open D chord questions

What are open D tuning chords?

They are guitar chord shapes calculated for D–A–D–F#–A–D. This page keeps that tuning fixed and shows the resulting notes, instead of reusing a standard-tuning diagram. Any chord can be played; the tool above finds a shape for each root and quality. Major chords are easiest: open strings give D, fret 5 gives G and fret 7 gives A.

Are open D chords the same as standard chord shapes?

No. The strings have different intervals, so standard-tuning fingerings can produce a different chord in open D. Use the fret code and the sounding-note table together.

Can I download these chords in open D tuning?

Yes. Use Download chart for the selected SVG diagram or Download MIDI for one sustained four-beat chord using the same sounding notes. Hear shape uses sampled acoustic-guitar pitch playback for the written MIDI notes.

How do I tune into Open D?

Lower strings 6, 2 and 1 by a whole step and string 3 by a half step, so the strings read D A D F# A D. The string chart above lists every string.