Tuning to an open chord is a satisfying and fun way to play, giving you rich, resonant sounds with relatively little effort. Just follow the tuning instructions by Happy Traum, then strum the open strings for a ringing D chord; G, A and other major chords can be made with simple one-finger barres. It s all explained in such a way that even novices can start making cool, bluesy music in minutes. This lesson will demystify open D, help you solidify your alternate-bass fingerpicking and teach you six exciting songs. Your first piece will be the American folk classic John Henry, a mostly one-chord melody on which you ll start improvising around the fretboard while maintaining a steady rhythm on the bass strings.  After that you ll cruise through a repertoire of funky blues, folk/gospel classics and a Southern mountain ballad that make use of open bass strings, fretted melody notes, double-stop harmonies, chord substitutions and improvised licks: Sittin on Top of the World, Jesus Is On the Main Line; Willie Moore, Deep Ellum Blues and I'll Fly Away.