Open Tunings as Songwriting Inspiration

Like a change of venue, a change of tone can open the floodgates

I’m sharing a YouTube video I posted the other day. It is about tuning your guitar to Open D and how that tonal change can inspire songwriting. I demonstrate some of the chord shapes used with Open D tuning and give a short demonstration of the first two songs I wrote using that tuning.

I’m also including a pre-final mix of one of those songs, Marie.

I hope I don’t bore the non-musical among you. It’s interesting to me and as one editor told me, “Write your passion and let the reader’s decide if they want to join you.”

As I explained previously, I’ve been focused on learning to record and produce my music better. My desire to get better productions has been more important to me than publishing anything. This is my excuse for my sporadic writing and other updates.

One of the upsides, for me, has been mostly disappearing from social media. Between working for Meta (writing productivity software) and working on music, I have had no interest in creating updates for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or any other social media outlet.

Other than watching some videos on how to use EQ and how to “hear” your mix better and a couple videos on rational thought - or the lack thereof - my focus has been playing guitar and recording.

I stated at my end of year/start of year recap/precap, that creative outlets would take a more prominent role.

To that end, I’ve started on two new songs. I’ll finish at least one before the month end.

I also have two performances coming up February. One for a private event/house concert and the other at Barclay’s Coffee on February 24th.

About this recording of Marie:

We have a little more mixing on this… I hired a pianist/keyboardist, a drummer/percussionist, and Chris, the guitar player I’ve mentioned previously.

Here is what this recording contains:

• Recorded/played by me:
  - two fingerstyle guitars (doubled), bass guitar, primary and backing vocals

• Chris
  - lead guitar (two tracks)

• Phil (keys)
  - piano, Hammond organ, synth pad

• Glenn (percussion)
  - shaker, djembe, congas, calabash, triangle, and a cymbal.

Take a listen. I think it is coming along nicely. I have a list of things to fix/adjust before it is ready for release but I’m happy with the progress.

MARIE
© 2017 - Matthew Moran

VERSE
You left me alone but I don't really blame you, I don't
You thought I would hate you, don't worry, I can't and I won't
There are questions unanswered though they're answers I don't want to hear
I'm no good at this distance but damn sure no good when you're near

My friends, they keep telling me, "Man, you sure handle it well."
Conveniently they overlook when I slip into my hell
Close the world out and don't return their calls for days
Emerge baptized in memories and exorcized of my rage
(chorus)

CHORUS
Oh Marie, this is one thing you can't take away
My pain is a labor love and it's what's left of me

VERSE
If forgiveness is freedom then you'll find me shackled and chained
And I know love is the answer but it's to questions I don't understand
The who and the when, the what and the where and the why
And how did I miss all the signs of your unspoken goodbye
(chorus)

Video about Open D Tuning

Even if you do not play guitar, you might find it interesting.

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Look for more updates on performances and a few recordings that are ready for release.

Thanks again for joining me on this journey.

With love and gratitude!

Matthew Moran
January 22, 2024

Next up: Thinking