Open D TuningFolkIntermediateCapo 2nd Fret

Big Yellow Taxi

byJoni Mitchell

Required String Notes:D - A - D - F# - A - D
Tune to Open D Tuning

Tuning Note Frequencies

Tune each guitar string to these exact pitch frequencies to play “Big Yellow Taxi”.

StringNote PitchExact Frequency
String 6D273.42 Hz
String 5A2110.00 Hz
String 4D3146.83 Hz
String 3F#3185.00 Hz
String 2A3220.00 Hz
String 1D4293.66 Hz

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

Joni Mitchell is famous for her innovative alternate tunings. Open D allows her to play lush major chords across the neck using single-finger fretting techniques.

Key Chord Voicings:

E (2-2-2-2-2-2)A (7-7-7-7-7-7)D (0-0-0-0-0-0)
Want tabs or video lessons?Find Chords & Tabs

More Songs by Joni Mitchell

Explore other guitar tunings recorded by Joni Mitchell:

View all 31 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCEGC)Intermediate
CGCEGCNo Capo
Custom Tuning (DACF#AD)Intermediate
DACF#ADNo Capo
Custom Tuning (EAC#EAE)Intermediate
EAC#EAENo Capo
Custom Tuning (CGDFCE)Intermediate
CGDFCENo Capo

Other Songs in Open D Tuning

Once tuned to D - A - D - F# - A - D, try playing these tracks next:

Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DCapo 2nd Fret
Open DIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Open DIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo
Open D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - F# - A - DNo Capo