This is from the Theory Section where we are looking at Alternate Tunings.

Open D minor is a good example of a Cross-note tuning. Starting with the minor tuning, we can easily switch between major and minor barre chords by just adding 1 finger.

To show this, we'll play a simple chord progression in the Key of D major:

D major - F# minor - G major - A major

Notice the minor barres are 1 finger, the major barres are with the extra note added (the Cross-note).

This chord sequence repeats 4 times. After the 2nd time we switch to play a ditty over the top just for fun. The backing chords remain the same.

Notice how everything sounds bright and happy - because we are sticking to the Key of D major. Sometimes Minor Cross-note tunings are better for playing major keys, this is a simple example.

This doesn't mean you should always use a minor tuning. For one thing, if you want a happier feel to your music and want to use a slide - then stick to the Open Major Tuning. Also, you can get minor chords with major tunings, just not through barring! It all depends on what you want to do.