Open tuning means retuning a guitar or bass so that the open strings alone sound a particular chord. It gives you sounds and fingerings that standard tuning cannot.
The basic idea
Because the chord shapes change, the same fingering produces different notes. It works especially well with slide playing and drone-like sounds.
How to use it when playing and programming
Before you use it, check the note name of each string and make sure it fits the key of the song. When recording or choosing sample libraries, note clearly how it differs from standard tuning.
How it differs from related terms
Open tuning changes how the strings are tuned. A capo raises the overall pitch while the tuning stays standard.
The sound is refreshing, but remember that you have to learn a new set of chord shapes.
