Chords for open D tuning: 5 shapes you need to know

Marcus Mumford plays a Martin D-45, capo'd at the 7th fret.

Having introduced 5 chord shapes for DADGAD tuning, let's turn our attention to open D (aka D A D F# A D).

As with DADGAD, drop the sixth string down a tone to D, then drop the first and second strings down a tone to D and A, respectively.

The final step is to drop the G string down a semitone to F#. The open D tuning is great for blues and fingerstyle acoustic pieces. 

1. F#5

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This powerchord shape features in Mumford And Sons’ The Cave, transposed to various fret positions.

2. Esus2

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If we move the F#5 fingering down two frets and leave the third string ringing, this Esus2 is created. 

3. Gadd9/D

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This one is nice and easy, and sounds great when followed by a D chord played on the open strings. 

4. Aadd11/D

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This fingering uses the open strings as drones. Simply move the shape around the fretboard to find different sounds. 

5. Amadd11/D

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This final chord fingering is the minor version of the previous chord – it only differs by one note.