How to Tune a Guitar to Open D
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Open D tuning sets the strings to D, A, D, F sharp, A, D. Start from standard tuning, E, A, D, G, B, E, and lower the strings that need to change. A chromatic tuner shows each note as you turn the pegs.
Start from standard tuning
Check that the guitar is in standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E. Use a chromatic tuner and pluck each string, reading the note the tuner shows. If a string is off, bring it to its standard note before you change anything, so you know where each string starts.
Lower the E strings to D
Tune the low E string down to D, then do the same for the high E string. Turn the peg slowly and watch the tuner until it reads D for each string. These strings go down in pitch, so loosen the peg rather than tightening it.
Leave the A and D strings alone
The A string stays at A and the D string stays at D, so do not turn those pegs. Pluck each string and check the tuner reads the same note it already shows. If either string has drifted, bring it back to its note before you move on.
Lower the G string to F sharp
Turn the G string peg to loosen the string until the tuner reads F sharp. Go slowly, since the note changes as the string slackens, and stop as soon as the tuner shows F sharp. If you pass the note, loosen further and bring it back up to F sharp.
Lower the B string to A
Turn the B string peg to loosen the string until the tuner reads A. The B string drops to the same note as the open A string, so listen for a match as you tune. Stop when the tuner reads A, and check the note again after a short pause.
Check each string with the tuner
Pluck each string in turn and read the tuner: the notes should read D, A, D, F sharp, A, D from the low string to the high string. If a string reads sharp, loosen it below the note and bring it back up. Recheck the strings after you finish, since a string can shift as you tune the rest.
What you need
KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On Guitar
A rechargeable clip-on chromatic tuner with an octave display, vibration-based pitch detection and USB charging.
- Chromatic mode
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip On
Snark SIL-RED Silver Snark Chromatic Tuner Red
A clip-on chromatic tuner with a high-resolution display that rotates 360 degrees.
- Chromatic mode
Snark ST-8HPT High Precision Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner
A rechargeable clip-on tuner with a bright screen, pitch calibration and an anechoic sound shield that keeps room noise out.
- Rechargeable
- Tuner type: Clip-On
These come from our ranked list Best Tuners, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a chromatic tuner for open D?
A chromatic tuner reads any note, so it shows D, F sharp and A as you tune each string. The KLIQ and the Snark SIL-RED list chromatic mode. Chromatic mode reads the notes open D needs, including F sharp.
What if a string reads sharp?
Loosen the string until the tuner reads below the target note, then tighten it back up to the note. Tuning up to the note keeps the string at pitch. Check the string again after you move to the next string.
Can I tune to open D without a tuner?
You can tune by ear, but a clip-on tuner is more direct: it reads the pitch of each string as you turn the peg. The KLIQ reads pitch from vibration, so background noise does not affect it. Clip the tuner to the headstock and watch the display as you tune.
What calibration should my tuner use?
A440 is the standard reference pitch. The KLIQ lists a calibration range of 430 to 450 Hz, and the Snark ST-8HPT lists pitch calibration at 432 and 442 Hz. Leave the calibration at A440 unless you need to match another instrument.
Ranked guitar tuners lists
More how-to guides
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